Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Enhanced Support for Care Experienced Young People

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report that recommended measures aimed at enhancing the support provided to care experienced young people within Stockton-on-Tees. The proposals included recognising ‘Care Experienced’ as a locally protected characteristic, an employability support pledge from the Council, a pilot corporate rent guarantor scheme and the funding of shortfall in private rental tenancies. These measures aimed to improve housing, employability prospects, and overall support for care experienced young people, ensuring their needs were appropriately prioritised in decision-making. The measures would support the Council to fulfil its role as a corporate parent.

Recommend to Council that:-

1. ‘Care Experienced’ is formally recognised as a locally protected characteristic within the Borough, ensuring that the needs of care experienced young people are prioritised in all Council decision-making processes.

RESOLVED that:-

2. Additional employability support for care experienced young people aged 16-25 be endorsed, including prioritised access to apprenticeship and job vacancies, guaranteed interviews for those meeting essential criteria, and the Council’s commitment to the national Care Leaver Covenant.

3. A pilot Corporate Rent Guarantor scheme for our care experienced young people be approved.

4. The pilot will inform a more detailed business case. An evaluation report be presented after the 12-month pilot.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The recommendations are targeted to address some of the barriers faced by our care experienced young people, including discrimination, lack of stable housing, and challenges in gaining employment. By implementing these measures, the Council can show its commitment to providing equitable support and improving outcomes for care experienced individuals. This approach is designed to address some of the systemic challenges that care experienced young people face, ensuring they receive the support needed to thrive.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight Friday 26 July 2024 for decisions 2,3 and 4 only.