Care leavers in Warwickshire to get winter fuel allowance and new parents to get extra financial help to pay for essential items

Extra support for care leavers across Warwickshire will see them offered a winter fuel allowance and there will be extra financial help for new parents to pay for essential items such as nappies and one-off purchases including a cot or buggy.

By Oliver Williams

Published 15th May 2020, 15:25 BST

Updated 15th May 2020, 17:04 BST

Other changes agreed by Warwickshire County Council’s virtual cabinet meeting - the first to be live screened during the coronavirus lockdown - included offering council tax help and anniversary bursaries for those care leavers aged up to 25 rather than 21 which is currently the case.

The extra support will cost the council an additional £39,410 over the coming year but the total £137,777 cost was approved and supported by opposition councillors.

Cllr Jeff Morgan (Con Bulkington and Whitestone), the portfolio holder for children’s services, explained that the new items were in addition to what was already offered.

He said: “Changes in DofE legislation have meant that local authorities are now responsible for care leavers up to the age of 25 and beyond 21 which was the previous situation.

“I am very proud of our care leavers offer.

"I feel it stands comparison with any other local authority.”

Warwickshire Warwickshire County Council