A Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) to all local authorities in England revealed that, although 76% of respondents would cover rent deposits for care leavers, only 46% are willing to act as a guarantor.

NYAS warns: “Many landlords will not accept young tenants without a guarantor, and most care leavers have no one to rely on for this, other than the council. For example, some councils said they only support private tenancies for care leavers attending university or those with a proven history of stable renting.”

The NYAS is urging the government to ensure the Renters’ Rights Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, protects care leavers from discriminatory practices by private landlords and letting agents