Grants/budget for unaccompanied asylum-seeking 18+ young people
Case reference FOI2025/02376
Received 27 November 2025
Published 17 December 2025
Request
Please provide a reply to this FOI request.
1 (a) For the 2025/2026 financial year, is the council receiving a specific grant from the Home Office to support UASC care leavers of £270 per week for each eligible UASC care leaver who is over 18, intended to help local authorities with the costs of supporting these individuals in supported living arrangements. Eligibility: The funding applies to individuals who are care leavers and formerly unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.
1 (b) In 2025/2026, is there an additional budget (excluding the above Home Office Grant at 1(a) above) the Council is using for supported living housing funding for unaccompanied asylum-seeking 18+ young people. If so, how much is the additional amount - appreciated it is based on needs and discretion.
1 (c) Please provide the contact details by email of the lead commissioner who signs off spot contract purchases for supporting these individuals in supported living arrangements.
1 (d) Is there any foreseeable plans to change the is using for supported living housing funding for unaccompanied asylum-seeking 18+ young people in the next 5 years.
Response
Please provide a reply to this FOI request.
1 (a) For the 2025/2026 financial year, is the council receiving a specific grant from the Home Office to support UASC care leavers of £270 per week for each eligible UASC care leaver who is over 18, intended to help local authorities with the costs of supporting these individuals in supported living arrangements. Eligibility: The funding applies to individuals who are care leavers and formerly unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.
Answer: The Service Area have advised Herefordshire Council submits claims to the Home Office for UASC care leavers placed in supported accommodation arranged by the LA, between the ages of 18-21 (or extended up to 25 if in further education), for £270/week. This is used to offset all/part of the spend paid to supported living accommodation providers.
1 (b) In 2025/2026, is there an additional budget (excluding the above Home Office Grant at 1(a) above) the Council is using for supported living housing funding for unaccompanied asylum-seeking 18+ young people. If so, how much is the additional amount - appreciated it is based on needs and discretion.
Answer: The Service Area have advised we are forecasting the net cost to Herefordshire Council for UASC Care Leavers in Supported living accommodation to be £993,210 during 25/26 once we have received the funding from the Home Office.
1 (c) Please provide the contact details by email of the lead commissioner who signs off spot contract purchases for supporting these individuals in supported living arrangements.
Answer: The Service Area have advised the lead commissioner is:
Zoe Richards, Head of Service, Starting Well
zoe.richards2@herefordshire.gov.uk
01432 260815
1 (d) Is there any foreseeable plans to change the is using for supported living housing funding for unaccompanied asylum-seeking 18+ young people in the next 5 years.
Answer: The Service Area have advised Herefordshire Council will continue to follow the government guidelines; we are not currently aware of any upcoming changes.
Documents
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