A survey of 25 London boroughs has provided the first indication of the care bill for homeless teenagers confronting councils since the Lords' judgment in May.
The ruling, made against Southwark Council, means all homeless 16- and 17-year-olds must be offered care services under section 20 of the Children Act 1989, and not simply accommodated under housing legislation.
Lobby group London Councils estimates the additional cost to children's services would be between £10,000 and £35,000 a year for every additional looked-after young person, which could add up to £2.4m for some councils.
Nick Stanton, executive member for children and young people at London Councils and leader of Southwark Council, said: "It's all very well to give us the duties but we don't think we're funded to do this."
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