At last night’s Full Council, a Liberal Democrat motion calling for more help for care leavers with their housing options was passed unanimously.

The Cabinet will now make sure looked after children and care leavers are given real opportunities to consider their housing options in detail, and ensure training and mentoring as they become increasingly independent.

The Cabinet will also review how looked after children and care leavers move into their next stage of accommodation, and investigate whether care leavers would be entitled to bonds to help them with rent deposits.

Councillor Marie Bradburn, Chair of the Corporate Parenting Panel, moved the motion:

“I am so pleased that this motion was successful.”

Living independently and running a household is no easy task, and many parents help their children with this transition, and provide financial, practical and emotional support along this journey.“

As corporate parents, we have the same responsibility to prepare our children in care and care leavers for the next stage of their life.”

The Council and councillors have not only a duty, but a moral obligation to provide this support for our looked after children.”

The motion can be read on Milton Keynes Council’s website.