Tees Valley councils issue plea for free bus travel for care leavers

A joint letter signed by the five local authorities calls on mayor Ben Houchen to support disadvantaged care leavers impacted by travel costs and offer free travel. 

But their appeal has been played down by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), the responsible body for funding the scheme, due to financial contraints. 

Care leavers currently benefit from bus fare discounts of £1 per journey, also available for people aged 21 and under. Workers in the same age range already benefit from free travel in the neighbouring North East Combined Authority Area.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Children in our care and care leavers face unique disadvantages and challenges when compared to their peers so they need additional support to improve their economic inclusion, including access to learning and employment.

“We, along with the other Tees Valley councils, work extremely hard to support care experienced young people make successful transitions to adulthood and offer a range of support and services up to the age of 25. We know that many parents continue to provide their children with support and guidance, including financial assistance, well into adulthood. 

“As local councils, we aim to deliver this same level of parenting support for care leavers and we are calling on the TVCA to help so our care leavers can enjoy the same benefits as their peers in the north of the region.”

Conservative Mayor Houchen was also urged to meet representatives from the councils to discuss the issue.

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However, TVCA ruled out any immediate changes to the fares for care leavers. 

A spokesperson said: "We're always keen to continue to work closely with local authorities and bus operators to see what support can be offered. 

“However, we have finite funding which has been agreed and allocated for supported bus travel in 2024/25. The £1 fare cap and £3 day tickets for under 21s in our region are set to continue until summer 2025."