**Oxfordshire Council Reduces Housing Support for Care Leavers, Sparking Concern**

Oxfordshire County Council has implemented a reduction in the number of supported accommodation beds available for young people transitioning out of the care system, a move that is raising concerns among charities and youth advocates. These beds provide a crucial safety net for vulnerable individuals, offering a stable living environment and support services as they navigate the challenges of independent living.

The decision to cut the number of beds means fewer care leavers will have access to this vital accommodation. This could potentially leave more young people at risk of homelessness, unemployment, and social isolation as they struggle to find suitable housing and build independent lives.

Leaving care is a particularly vulnerable time for young people. They often lack the family support networks that many other young adults rely on. Supported accommodation bridges this gap, offering not just a place to live but also guidance on essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and finding employment. The reduction in beds could therefore significantly impact their ability to successfully transition into adulthood.

Council officials have stated that the decision was made following a review of accommodation needs and available resources. They have not yet publicly detailed the specific reasons behind the cut or what alternative support measures are being put in place to mitigate the impact on care leavers.

However, children's charities and advocacy groups are worried that the reduction will put undue pressure on already stretched services. They fear that a lack of suitable accommodation could lead to an increase in homelessness among care leavers, forcing them into unstable and potentially dangerous living situations.

Concerns are also being raised about the potential long-term consequences of this decision. Without adequate support, young people leaving care may struggle to complete their education, find stable employment, and build positive relationships. This can lead to a cycle of disadvantage and dependence on state services.

Local charities are urging the council to reconsider the decision and to work collaboratively to find alternative solutions that ensure all care leavers have access to safe and suitable accommodation. They emphasize the importance of investing in early intervention and preventative measures to help young people thrive and reach their full potential. The long-term cost of failing to provide adequate support for care leavers, they argue, will far outweigh the short-term savings achieved by cutting the number of supported accommodation beds.