We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been able to fulfil one of our manifesto pledges regarding care leavers.

Running up to May’s local election, one of our commitments was “getting a better deal for children in care and care leavers, for example with travel concessions and membership of organisations.”

This has now been fulfilled via the Labour-run West of England Combined Authority, which South Gloucestershire Council and the Labour Group work in partnership with.

Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris has brought in a new care leavers’ bus pass, giving 18-21-year-old care leavers free bus travel across the region.

We hope even more can be done to get a better deal for children in care and care leavers in the future, and will work towards this.

Dan Norris said at the launch of the bus pass: “Leaving care can be a really challenging and daunting time for young people. It’s especially tough in a cost-of-living crisis.

“I hope this free bus pass is a supportive helping hand as these young people head out on their next journey.”