MORE support has been promised to young people in Hampshire when they leave the care system.

Councillor Roy Perry, executive lead member for children’s services at Hampshire County Council, has approved improvements to the schemes already offered to young people leaving the care of the local authority.

The new benefits include paying travel costs for care leavers aged 18 and 19 who are employed for up to six months, or those seeking employment for up to three months.

The other improvements announced are an extension of the Staying Put scheme, which will enable care leavers to remain in supported lodgings or with foster carers, and increasing a home allowance scheme from up to £1,000 to up to £2,000.

There is also financial support for those attending university either as postgraduates or undergraduates.

Cllr Perry said: “Like all good parents, I am keen to see that young people in our care feel able to strive to achieve goals and ambitions.

“I want to ensure our care leavers have the same opportunities as any other young people and so want to remove any possible barriers which may prevent them accessing education, training or employment as they become young adults and move to independent living.

“The enhancements I have agreed will build on this support and represent sound investment in these young people and their futures.”