Housing: Care Leavers

Care leavers often face major challenges in securing and maintaining safe, affordable housing. To address this, funding for stable accommodation will continue in 2026/27. This includes support for the Staying Put programme, allowing young people to remain with foster families until age 21. Local authorities will also receive £21.1 million for the Staying Close programme, which provides practical and emotional help, including support to find and sustain accommodation, alongside an additional £3.2 million for those most at risk of homelessness or rough sleeping. Care leavers are further supported by a recommended minimum £3,000 Leaving Care Allowance to help furnish their first home.

Under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, Staying Close will become a national entitlement for eligible care leavers up to age 25. Local authorities will also be required to publish their local offer outlining how they will meet housing needs, work with housing services, and prevent homelessness among care leavers.