YOUNG adults discharged from social care are nine times more likely to become homeless than others of their age, according to a national charity that tries to help them.

The charity Become says that the thousands of young people leaving care at the age of 18 face an appalling situation because of a lack of support beyond the care system.

The charity has called on the government to urgently end a so-called “care cliff” and ensure young people are supported when they reach adulthood.

It says military veterans and victims of domestic abuse are also more likely to face homelessness than others.

Become says that many local authorities insist that anyone applying for assistance such as social housing must have a residential qualification or a connection with the local area to receive help.

“Last month, the Prime Minister said young care leavers — alongside veterans and domestic abuse victims — would ‘have the security they deserve,’ as he addressed issues around current requirements to have a local connection in order to get housing support in many areas,” the charity said.

“The government said the changes will mean all three groups are exempt from local connection or residency tests which most councils have in place to determine who can qualify for social housing.

“Labour said it intends to bring forward the changes through legislation in Parliament, although it did not confirm a time scale.”

Become says the change must be brought in urgently, alongside better support for young people as they leave care.

Chief executive Katharine Sacks-Jones said: “It’s appalling that thousands of care leavers are forced to leave their home at the age of 18, and sometimes younger, without the family support that many of us take for granted.

“No young person leaving care should have to live in unsafe accommodation or be left homeless, but that is the reality for many right now, compounding the trauma they’ve experienced in the past.

“But this can be fixed. The government must end the care cliff, prioritise social housing for young people leaving care and make sure they have the support they need every step of the way to make a positive start to adulthood.”

The Department of Housing, Communities & Local Government was invited to comment.