Calls for care leavers to get free buses until 25

Tees Valley Combined Authority says it has "finite funding", which has already been allocated this year

Free buses should be provided for care leavers until they reach 25, local authorities have said.

Councils in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees have written a joint letter to the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen calling for the provision.

They argued the move would bring them in line with the North East Combined Authority, which already provides free travel to care leavers aged between 18 and 25.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) said it was "always" keen to work with councils and bus firms, but it had "finite funding" which had already been allocated for the financial year.

Labour Darlington councillor Nick Wallis said care leavers faced "unique disadvantage and challenges" when compared to peers, and they required "additional support to improve their economic inclusion".

"We know that many parents continue to provide their children with support and guidance, including financial assistance, well into adulthood," he said.

"As local councils, we aim to deliver this same level of parenting support for care leavers and we are calling on the TVCA to help so our care leavers can enjoy the same benefits as their peers."

Community group The Christmas Dinner Middlesbrough and Teesside, which helps provide Christmas dinners to care leavers, said the move would be "wonderful".

"Young care leavers need all the help and support they can get," a spokesperson said, adding it could also make it easier to stay connected with friends and family and reduce feelings of isolation.

TVCA said the £1 cap and £3 day tickets for under-21s in the region was set to continue until 2025.