Overview

This bill aims to improve the quality of accommodation provided to young people leaving the care system in England and Wales. It mandates minimum standards for such accommodation and requires local authorities to ensure these standards are met.

Description

The Young People Leaving Care (Accommodation) Bill establishes a legal duty for local authorities to provide accommodation that meets minimum standards for young people leaving care. The Secretary of State will set these minimum standards through regulations, covering aspects like:

• Health and safety
• Habitability
• Location and accessibility
• Availability of services and furnishings
• Security
• Meeting the young person's assessed needs

These regulations will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny and must be laid before Parliament within 12 months of the Act's passing.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending. The exact figure is not specified in the bill, but it will cover expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in implementing and enforcing the new standards and any increases in sums payable under other Acts due to this legislation. Funding will come from money provided by Parliament.

Groups Affected

• Young people leaving care: Will directly benefit from improved accommodation standards, potentially leading to better outcomes and support.
• Local authorities: Will have a new legal duty to ensure accommodation meets the specified standards, requiring increased resources and potentially changes to their processes.
• Accommodation providers: May need to upgrade their facilities to meet the new standards, potentially impacting their costs and business models.
• The Secretary of State: Responsible for setting and overseeing the implementation of the minimum standards through regulations.

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