Issue - meetings

In accordance with Minute No. 69 of the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services meeting on 4^th November, 2009, Paul Grimwood, Youth Offending Services Manager, presented a report, for information, on the implications of a recent (May, 2009) Law Lords judgement (G vs Southwark), which considered how local authorities support homeless 16 and 17 year olds.

The legal case tested the circumstances in which local authorities should provide accommodation for this age group and the legislation that should apply. The judgement concluded that the duties of local authorities to accommodate children in need could not be circumvented by referring the young person to the housing authority. The case has profound implications for local authority children’s services.

The report also referred to the position of unaccompanied asylum seeking young people, including support arrangements, accommodation support, support in relation to their status as looked after children and financial arrangements, as informed by a 2003 High Court judgement, (R v London Borough of Hillingdon and the Secretary of State for Education and Skills).  The report and this issue in particular was to be considered at the next meeting of the New Arrivals Working Party.

Discussion took place on the huge financial implications the judgement would have on the Council, particularly the Children and Young People’s Service who would be responsible for the young people until the age of 21.

It was noted that work was taking place and hoped that a further report would be submitted to the 2 respective Cabinet Members.

Resolved:-  That a further report be submitted as soon as possible.