Will the Government explore using the planning system to support care leavers, including whether the community infrastructure levy or S106 can be used to secure housing, work experience or employment opportunities for care-experienced young people?
Section 106 can be used to secure provision of affordable housing for those in need of housing, which could include care leavers who are registered for housing support with their local authority.
It would not be appropriate for the planning system to require employment opportunities or work experience in considering the acceptability of built development. However, many developers have a commitment to employ local people or apprentices, which could be available to care leavers.
Outside of the Planning System there are a number of initiatives being delivered by Government to assist and support care leavers to find work.
Through Jobs Growth Wales Plus, we offer tailored support for 16 to 19-year-olds, including training, work experience and financial help with costs like travel and childcare, so care leavers are not held back from taking part.
For those who need more intensive support, Communities for Work Plus provides one-to-one mentoring and practical help to overcome barriers and progress into sustainable employment.
Apprenticeships provide accessible opportunities for a wide range of learners, including care-experienced young people. They offer fully funded pathways across a broad range of sectors, enabling individuals to gain skills, qualifications and paid employment.
We work with Medr, training providers and employers to promote inclusive access to apprenticeships, including for those from under-represented or disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme aims to be flexible and responsive to the needs of learners and employers, supporting wider ambitions to increase participation in learning and remove barriers to progression into employment.