Teenagers leaving care in Wales to be offered no-strings £1600 a month

The Welsh Government’s given more details of a pilot of what they are calling a “basic income”.

They say it will “enhance” the support available to young people as they leave care and assess the impact that has on them.

The pilot is to test out the claims made by Universal Basic Income backers that the scheme would address poverty and unemployment while improving health and financial wellbeing.

It means all young people leaving care who turn 18 during a 12 month period, across all local authority areas in Wales, will be offered the opportunity to take part in the pilot.

Over 500 young people will be eligible to join the scheme which will run for a minimum of three years.

Those who fit in the trial cohort will receive a “basic” income payment of £1600 per month for two years from the month after their 18th birthday.

Outlining the reasoning behind the pilot, Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said:

“Our Basic Income announcement today complements the Welsh Government’s ambition to ensure the most vulnerable in our society are supported. We know we’re in the midst of a cost of living crisis and we’re determined to continually look at how best to support individuals in Wales who live in poverty.

“Care leavers have a right to be properly supported as they develop into independent young adults. It’s also important to note that this policy is underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), emphasising our commitment to strengthening the rights of children and young people in Wales.

Catriona Williams OBE, Chair of Voices from Care Cymru said:

"We are grateful to the Minister for the time she spent with young people from across Wales on Saturday to listen to their views about the Pilot. It is critical for it to succeed that the voices of care experienced children and young people are heard on decisions like this that directly affect their lives."

{{NEWS}}