Issue

Care leavers

10 stories · discussed at 13 council meetings · 14 councils

Councils are enhancing housing and support for care leavers, with new strategies and Ofsted reviews shaping developments.

Hackney's care leaver services received Ofsted praise in September 2026 for strengthened support, though a 2024 inspection highlighted housing needs. The council approved a £1.9 million floating housing support service in July 2026, starting February 2027, to assist care leavers with specific needs. Redbridge Council discussed a draft Supported Housing Strategy in September 2026. Southwark Council's Cabinet approved changes in March 2026, allowing care leavers access to one-bed flats.

Harrow Council made progress on its care leaver support plan in July 2026, refreshing its Local Offer with clearer, more accessible language developed with young people. Barking and Dagenham Council noted positive trends in children's care in July 2026 and approved a Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030 to provide high-quality placements. Barnet Council also resolved in July 2026 to investigate child exploitation concerns, focusing on care-experienced young people.

Croydon Council's Corporate Parenting Board will conduct a deep dive into housing provision for care leavers in September 2026. Care leavers are young people who have been in local authority care and are transitioning to independent living, with councils working to ensure they receive appropriate support.

Key facts

  1. Hackney's care leaver services were praised by Ofsted in September 2026. Source
  2. Redbridge Council discussed a draft Supported Housing Strategy in September 2026. Source
  3. Hackney Council approved a £1.9 million floating housing support service in July 2026. Source
  4. Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet approved the Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030 in July 2026. Source
  5. Southwark Council's Cabinet approved changes to housing allocations for care leavers in March 2026. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Ofsted Praises Hackney's Care Leaver Support, Identifies Areas for Improvement Hackney's services for care leavers have been praised by Ofsted, with inspectors noting warm, trusting and purposeful relationships between young people and practitioners. The... Hackney 11 September 2026
  2. Redbridge Council plans new supported housing strategy Redbridge Council is developing a new Supported Housing Strategy to address the growing needs of its residents, aiming to ensure access to safe, high-quality homes and... Redbridge 4 September 2026
  3. Hackney Council Approves £1.9m Floating Housing Support Service for Vulnerable Residents Hackney Council has approved the procurement of a new floating housing support service, valued at up to £1,932,000 (excluding VAT) over a maximum of seven years, with a planned... Hackney 26 July 2026
  4. Council notes positive trends in children's care Barking and Dagenham Council has noted positive trends in its children's care and support services, according to a self-evaluation report presented to the Full Council. The... Barking and Dagenham 24 July 2026
  5. Barking & Dagenham Council Approves New Strategy to Improve Care for Looked-After Children Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet has approved a new comprehensive strategy aimed at improving the lives of looked-after children and those at risk of entering care. Barking and Dagenham 16 July 2026
  6. Barnet Council to investigate child exploitation concerns Barnet Council is to investigate concerns surrounding child exploitation following a motion passed at a recent council meeting. The motion, brought forward by Councillor... Barnet 9 July 2026
  7. Harrow Council's Care Leaver Support Plan Shows Progress on Local Offer and Participation Harrow Council has made significant progress on its plan to enhance support for care leavers, with updates presented on the refreshed Local Offer and participation activities. Harrow 3 July 2026
  8. Harrow Council Refreshes Care Leaver Support Offer with Simplified Information and New Sections Harrow Council has refreshed its 'Local Offer' for care leavers, aiming to make the support available to young people leaving the care system clearer, more accessible, and more... Harrow 3 July 2026