Decision

• The purpose of the Leaving Care Grant is to support care leavers to set up their first independent home.
• There is no nationally prescribed minimum Leaving Care Grant in Wales; provision is locally determined.
• In Torfaen, the Leaving Care Grant has remained at £1,550 since 2009/10, with no inflationary uplift applied.
• Inflation analysis demonstrates a significant erosion in the real terms value of the grant over time.
• Cost modelling indicates that approximately £2,000 is required to meet the minimum cost of essential household items.
• A proportionate uplift to £2,000 is proposed from 1st July 2026, alongside a planned two year stepped approach to bring the grant closer to inflation alignment, followed by annual review.
• The proposed approach ensures essential need is met now, while strengthening support over time in a planned and sustainable way.