Wiltshire Council will give care leavers priority to secure social housing until they reach the age of 25.

They will be given band one priority, the highest priority for the allocation of social housing.

Up until now, band one priority was given to care leavers until they reached the age of 21.

The council approved the plans at a cabinet meeting on January 31.

Young people who have experienced being in care would be awarded the Priority Band one status when it is confirmed they are ready to move into independent accommodation.

The changes will help them continue to live in Wiltshire close to local connections.

The council says the decision forms part of a wider promise it makes to care leavers.

It includes exemption from paying council tax until 25 years and access to a rent guarantee scheme.

There is also support with next steps into employment and independence with support towards driving lessons, help with university and opportunities for work experience and favourable access to council apprenticeships.

Care leavers also have free access to Wiltshire Council run sports centres and contribution towards WiFi costs. 

Cabinet member for housing Phil Alford said: “We are proposing a change to the allocation policy so young people who have been in care and are under 25 years can be given band one [priority] for housing when they are ready to move into independent accommodation.

“All parents want to ensure their young people can become independent adults while knowing their family is there supporting them.

“As a corporate parent we want our care experienced young people to have that same reassurance and know we are here to provide the support when it’s needed.”

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services Laura Mayes added: “We have a strong commitment to help keep our young people safe.

“This latest decision is a measure to provide a stable footing as they become adults and move to independent living.

“The agreement today gives our young people the opportunity to stay close to friends in Wiltshire to keep that local connection while moving onto the next stage of adult life.”

Each year 59 care experienced young people are moved into independent accommodation by the council, however this may be slightly inflated as the Children In Care team were not able to distinguish within its data sets those care experienced young people who moved into University accommodation.