Care-experienced young people (e.g. care leavers) - Find a freedom of information request

Please may you provide me with answers to the following questions:

1. As of 21st March 2024, does your local authority offer to act as a rent guarantor for care-experienced young people (e.g. care leavers) to access when seeking to rent a privately rented property?

Yes
No 

2. If 'Yes' to Question 1, what is the eligibility criteria for care-experienced young people (e.g. care leavers) to have your local authority act as their rent guarantor?

3.  As of 21st March 2024, does your local authority offer a rent deposit for care-experienced young people (e.g. care leavers) to access when seeking to rent a privately rented property?

Yes
No 

4. If 'Yes' to Question 3, what is the eligibility criteria for care-experienced young people (e.g. care leavers) to be offered a rent deposit?

5. If 'Yes' to Question 3, are there any limits/restrictions to the amount of rent deposit offered to care-experienced young people?

6. If your local authority offers to act as a rent guarantor and/or provide rent deposits for care-experienced young people (e.g. care leavers) when seeking to rent a privately rented property, can this be accessed by care-experienced young people from your local authority living out-of-area? 

Yes - both can be offered.
Yes - the rent guarantor offer.
Yes - the rent deposit offer.
No - neither offer. 

7. If you have any published information or data concerning your local authority's guarantor or deposit scheme as set out above, please can you send it through.
 

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

1. Yes

2. Each application is assessed on a case by case basis

3. Yes

4. Where a young person’s accommodation needs have been identified within the pathway plan as private rented accommodation (for example, where they have no access to social housing), there will usually be a requirement for the young person to pay a rent deposit and rent in advance. Young people can use portions of their new homes grant as a deposit on accommodation or seek additional discretionary support from the Corporate Parenting Manager. Where there is a rent deposit guarantee scheme available in the area, the young person will be supported by their worker to access funding from this scheme. Some young people may also be able to claim a crisis loan for paying rent in advance, and this should be explored in the first instance. If other funding streams are not available to assist young people to secure privately rented accommodation, the Leaving Care Service may provide discretionary financial support for rents and fees where appropriate, to eligible, relevant and former relevant young people who require it

5. This is determined on a case by case basis

6. Yes - both can be offered

7. See below links to the information

https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/childrens-social-care/leaving-care

https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/council-councillors/lincolnshire-leaving-care-looked-children-finance-handbook-2022-2023