Arrogant Con-Dem points finger at local authorities

Instead of sticking blame and responsibility where it was due - on the government's cuts and austerity agenda - Children's Minister Edward Timpson said local authorities should be picking up the pieces.

Mr Timpson said vulnerable young people were forced out of care at the age of 16 and warned many soon fell over a "cliff edge" into a trap of poverty and joblessness.

He said almost half those leaving care at 16 were not in education, employment or training when they reach 19.

Then he said councils should award teenagers a minimum £2,000 grant to cover costs of setting up a new life outside care and warned he would consider setting a national rate if they didn't "make more progress."

He went on to accuse officials of treating teenagers as a tick-box exercise and failing to leave them with a proper safety net. There was no indication how cash-strapped councils would find the cash.

Mr Timpson said: "It is still a national scandal that children in care are more likely to end up with worse exam results, poor mental and physical health, to be convicted criminals and unemployed or out of education.

"These are the most vulnerable children in society who need the most support.

"We shouldn't underestimate the barriers facing children leaving care. There is good work going on where young people get the help they need to land on their feet - but it's not the norm across the country."

But shadow children's minister Lisa Nandy reminded the government that had systematically stripped away support for young people and "it must be willing to take responsibility not just criticise others."