Education and work support for care leavers CA 1989 s. 24B
Local authorities may support living expenses for work or training, and must secure vacation housing for full-time students under twenty-five.
The relevant local authority may give assistance to any person who qualifies for advice and assistance by virtue of section 24(1A) or section 24(2)(a) by contributing to expenses incurred by him in living near the place where he is, or will be, employed or seeking employment. The relevant local authority may give assistance to a person to whom subsection (3) applies by— contributing to expenses incurred by the person in question in living near the place where he is, or will be, receiving education or training; or making a grant to enable him to meet expenses connected with his education or training. This subsection applies to any person who— is under twenty-five ; and qualifies for advice and assistance by virtue of section 24(1A) or section 24(2)(a), or would have done so if he were under twenty-one. Where a local authority are assisting a person under subsection (2) they may disregard any interruption in his attendance on the course if he resumes it as soon as is reasonably practicable. Where the local authority are satisfied that a person to whom subsection (3) applies who is in full-time further or higher education needs accommodation during a vacation because his term-time accommodation is not available to him then, they shall give him assistance by— providing him with suitable accommodation during the vacation; or paying him enough to enable him to secure such accommodation himself. The Secretary of State may prescribe the meaning of “ full-time ”, “ further education ”, “ higher education ” and “ vacation ” for the purposes of subsection (5).
Text in force at .
Source: legislation.gov.uk — The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk), reproduced under licence Open Government Licence v3.0.
What it actually says
This section gives local authorities discretionary powers to assist eligible care leavers with costs related to employment, education, and training. A council may contribute towards living costs if a young person needs to live near where they work, seek work, or study. For individuals under twenty-five who qualify, councils can also issue direct grants to cover education or training expenses.
Where a young person takes a temporary break from their course, the authority has discretion to continue assistance if the person resumes attendance as soon as reasonably practicable.
Unlike general living assistance, holiday accommodation for full-time students is a mandatory duty. If an eligible care leaver under twenty-five is in full-time further or higher education and lacks accommodation during term vacations, the local authority must either provide suitable housing or pay sufficient funds for them to secure it.
When it applies
- A young care leaver under twenty-five needs financial help paying rent near a new job or training scheme.
- A university student qualifying for care leaver assistance needs accommodation during the summer holiday when student halls close.
- A care leaver requires a direct grant from the council to buy books or equipment required for a training course.
- A student under twenty-five briefly pauses college due to illness and asks the authority to resume course assistance upon returning.
What this section does not say
- General duties to secure accommodation for children in care, which are handled under ca1989s.22g.
- The appointment of personal advisers for care leavers, covered under ca1989s.23d.
- Ongoing support and pathway planning for former relevant children generally, addressed in ca1989s.23c.
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This page reproduces the text of CA 1989 s. 24B in force at the date shown and explains it in general terms. It is not legal advice and takes no account of the circumstances of your case, which can change the answer completely. For a live dispute, for limitation periods, and before taking any step in court, consult a qualified lawyer in England and Wales.