Two more councils vote to recognise care experience as a protected characteristic

Newport Council, in Wales, passed the motion on 23 January, with Camden Council following suit on 29 January and becoming the 76th UK council to pledge to consider discrimination against those with care experience when making policies.

Camden has also agreed to offer also care leavers free Wi-Fi until the age of 25 as part of its package of support.

The motion aims to protect those with care experience from discrimination and give safety to those in the care system.

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Care-experienced campaigner, Terry Galloway, has been leading the initiative to gain council backing after the government refused to amend legislation to see care experience recognised in law as a protected characteristic despite it being recommended by Care Review chair Josh MacAlister in his final report.

Newport Council passed the motion unanimously. Prior to the meeting, an event was held where care leavers had the opportunity to speak to council leader Councillor Jane Mudd and other members about their experiences.

Of all the campaigns for care experience this is the most radical and far reaching. Newport Council becomes 1st in Wales and 75th in the UK to make 'Care Experience' a Protected Characteristic. I will be speaking at Camden Council about this on Monday. Follow @TerryGalloway https://t.co/iORxSsMFB6

— lemn sissay OBE FRSL (@lemnsissay) January 24, 2024

“There is a beacon of hope that has just been lit in Wales. Councils across the whole United Kingdom are passing these motions now. The public gallery was full of care leavers, and councillors were telling them that they cared. By becoming the first in Wales, they demonstrated that,” said Galloway on the first passing of the motion in Wales.

Camden Council passed the motion in a moving debate, where author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay (pictured) spoke about his experiences in care, alongside speeches from other care leavers.

The council also announced on 29 January that it will provide all care leavers up until the age of 25 with free Wi-Fi, regardless of which type of accommodation they are in.

Cllr Marcus Boyland, cabinet member for best start for children and families in the London borough, said: “We know the challenges that care experienced people face – such as barriers into education, employment, and housing – so this is a very proud moment that Camden is now treating care experience as a protected characteristic.

"This work reaffirms our commitment to supporting children in our care and to those who have been in care, and will make a huge difference to those who have experienced care in Camden.”

Camden Council is also developing a ‘care experienced panel’ from next month, described as " a safe space for young adults to come together to talk about any issues of concern, offer advice and to share views and experience".