Member

Amendment 85 would require local authorities to have due regard to the person’s wishes and preferences, accommodation requirements, emotional and practical support needs and existing network when assessing what Staying Close support is required in the interests of that particular young person’s welfare. Clause 7 sets out that Staying Close support is provided to a former relevant child for the purpose of helping them to find and keep suitable accommodation—I think the “and keep” is absolutely relevant here—and to access services relating to health and well-being, relationships, education and training, employment, and participation in society. Alongside this, the new statutory guidance that will accommodate this duty will set out that the local authority will be expected to have due regard to the wishes of the relevant person and to keep a record of that person’s wishes.