We would like information on the extent to which your local authority provides care leavers over 18 years in your area with help with the financial costs of local bus travel. For the purposes of this freedom of information request we are using the definition of “care leaver” contained in The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000. This means we are defining them as young people aged 16-25 who were in the care of the local authority for a period of 13 weeks or longer (or periods amounting to 13 weeks) from the age of 14 and were in care on or after their 16th birthday.

1. Does your local authority provide care leavers aged 18-25 with any financial assistance with the costs of local bus travel?
Occasionally.

2.
a) If yes can you provide the following information about your policy on providing care leavers with assistance for local bus travel?
We do not have a policy – the provision of support for local bus travel is considered on a case by case situation.

b) Is help provided to all care leavers or is there qualifying criteria to receive financial assistance for bus travel? If there is qualifying criteria, please provide information on what the qualifying criteria are.
Care leavers aged 18-25 can be financially supported if they are deemed to be “Former Relevant” care leavers. We do not generally provide any financial support if the care leaver is defined as “Qualifying”. Bus travel is determined on a case by case basis dependent on the need of the situation. It will apply to ad hoc situations rather than a blanket policy providing bus travel assistance.

c) Does the financial assistance allow care leavers to use buses for free or at a discounted rate on the usual adult price? If a discounted rate is offered, what percentage discount is available?
On the occasions we financially support bus travel this will cover the whole cost of the fare.

d) Does the financial assistance provided apply to all bus services or is it limited to those provided at a particular time of day or on particular routes? If it is limited please provide details of which services the financial assistance is applicable to.
This depends on the specific need of the care leaver.

e) Please provide a copy of any written policy you have outlining your policy on providing care leavers with financial assistance with local bus travel.
Not applicable.