Care leavers in England will receive free prescriptions, as well as dental and eye care, up to their 25th birthday, under a new package of measures announced by the Government.
The reforms also include pilots to offer paid NHS internships and guaranteed interviews for NHS roles for care leavers, alongside a three-year programme to improve access to mental health support for children in care.
The measures aim to tackle long-standing health inequalities faced by care-experienced young people.
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the LGA’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, said: “We are pleased government has introduced measures so that young people leaving care do not have to pay for prescriptions, as well as dental and eye care. The LGA has previously called for this to help prevent care leavers from falling into financial hardship when they leave care and to support their transition into independence.
“The Government should also consider how it can go even further, such as through a national, government-funded council tax exemption for those leaving care, as well as providing long-term support around mental health and housing.”