Further funding for local authorities caring for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) and care leavers has been announced by the Minister for Immigration Compliance, Chris Philp.

There will be a significant uplift in funding for all local authorities providing ongoing support to those unaccompanied asylum-seeking children leaving care. The new rate (£240 per person per week) replaces the previous rates of £150 and £200 per week, representing a 20-60% increase.

There will also be a targeted 25% uplift in funding for local authorities across the UK which are currently looking after the highest numbers of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children when compared to their child population. They will receive a tariff of £143 per child per night instead of the standard rate of £114 per child per night.

This announcement comes after an East Midlands Councils report detailing local authority costs and pressures in providing leaving care support to former unaccompanied children was submitted on behalf of the region to the Minister for Immigration Compliance.

East Midlands Councils welcomes the increase in funding, noting that a shortfall remains between the amount provided by Government and the actual costs to Children’s Services. We will continue to work with local authorities and the Home Office to consider the impact of this announcement on the UASC National Transfer Scheme.