Purpose

The Tameside Care Leavers Local Offer document set out statutory financial entitlements, alongside dedicated service information and the wider participation offer, for care experienced young people who are transitioning to adulthood and independence.

The Local Offer described the financial and support entitlements for young people specific to their status, as set out in the Children and Social Work Act 2017 (as amended by section 8 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026), as eligible, relevant, or former relevant children aged under 25.

As Corporate “community” Parents, the council and its partners have a shared responsibility to ensure that care experienced young people receive the support, opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive and achieve successful adult lives. The Care Leaver Local Offer sets out the support available to care experienced young people in Tameside, bringing together both statutory entitlements and the wider services, opportunities and practical assistance available across the partnership.

The Local Offer had been refreshed in response to feedback from care experienced young people and informed by engagement with key partners. It strengthened information and support relating to employment, education and training, independent living skills, housing, emotional wellbeing and financial support, while improving awareness of the services and opportunities available to young people as they move towards adulthood. The revised offer also reflected recent developments in local and Greater Manchester provision, including updates to university accommodation support.

The refreshed Local Offer demonstrated the Councils continued commitment to listening to the voices of care experienced young people, responding to their priorities, and working 1 collaboratively with partners to ensure they receive the support they need to be safe, successful and supported into adulthood.

The wider offer within the document reflects Tameside’s community parenting commitment by ensuring that our care experienced young people receive the same level of care, support, encouragement and ambition that any good parent would provide to their own children. The Local Offer has been developed in partnership with partner agencies and key stakeholders considering the views of care experienced young people. Their views, experiences and feedback have informed both the content and priorities within the offer, ensuring it reflects what matters most to care leavers and addresses the challenges they face. The full Care Leavers Local Offer 2026 will be presented in final format as a series of pages on the Council website, in an accessible and visual format, along with a printed version to share with young people and professionals, where required.

Decision

RESOLVED

(i)                That approval be given to the Tameside Care Leaver Local Offer at Appendix A and the associated financial entitlements for 2026 at Appendix B and to approve its implementation.

(ii)              That Delegate authority be given to the Strategic Director Children’s Services in consultation with Community Parenting Board and the Strategic Director of Finance to review, consult upon, revise and publish future offers including the financial elements.