Coram Voice · 2024
This report by Coram Voice / A National Voice (ANV) investigates whether English local authorities are providing care leavers with the full £3,000 Setting Up Home Allowance following the April 2023 government uplift. Using a Freedom of Information request to all 153 local authorities in England and online workshops and 'share my story' submissions from care-experienced young people aged 16–25, the report finds that while 9 in 10 councils pay the full £3,000, 1 in 10 do not, and there are wide inconsistencies in eligibility criteria, written policies, and how much choice young people have in spending the allowance. The report recommends that the Department for Education update statutory guidance to mandate the £3,000 minimum for all care leavers up to 25, that councils publish clear written policies, and that young people are trusted and supported to make their own spending decisions.