Calls for free bus transport for care leavers

Calls for free bus transport for care leavers to be provided up to the age of 25 have been made in a joint letter to the Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen from the five Tees Valley councils.

Nick Wallis, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, has joined colleagues from the other Tees Valley councils in signing the letter which calls for the change.

Care leavers, like all other young people in the Tees Valley, benefit from the 21 and under bus fares offer which ensures that travel costs are affordable and manageable up to the age of 21. The Tees Valley councils are asking for this concessionary travel scheme to be extended to include free travel for care leavers up to the age of 25.

It is hoped the extra support will tackle some of the disadvantage care leavers face arising from travel costs which can impact their wellbeing, opportunities for education and work as well as their ability to socialise with family and friends.

Care leavers in the North East Combined Authority area already benefit from free travel up to the age of 25, and it is hoped the Tees Valley Combined Authority can offer the same to its young people.

Nick Wallis, said: “Children in our care and care leavers face unique disadvantage and challenges when compared to their peers so they need additional support to improve their economic inclusion, including access to learning and employment.

“We, along with the other Tees Valley councils, work extremely hard to support care experienced young people make successful transitions to adulthood and offer a range of support and services up to the age of 25. We know that many parents continue to provide their children with support and guidance, including financial assistance, well into adulthood. As local councils, we aim to deliver this same level of parenting support for care leavers and we are calling on the TVCA to help so our care leavers can enjoy the same benefits as their peers in the north of the region.”

The letter asked Ben Houchen, TVCA mayor, to meet representatives from the councils to discuss the issue. He has responded to say someone from the director of infrastructure's team will be in touch to discuss how the idea can be progressed.