A call for Monmouthshire to be included in a proposed Universal Basic Income pilot scheme for care leavers in Wales has been thwarted.
The Welsh Government has announced that people leaving care could be included in a trial of a basic income scheme, through which they would be given money to cover the basic cost of living.
Cardiff, Swansea, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Gwynedd councils have called for the Welsh Government to hold pilots in their areas.
At a full council meeting on Thursday, Monmouthshire’s Labour group leader, Cllr Dimitri Batrouni called for the council to be part of any pilot scheme for care leavers which comes forward.
The call came during a debate on a motion put forward by Cllr Kevin Williams, which commended the contribution to community life by young care leavers in Monmouthshire.
Putting forward an amendment to the motion, Cllr Batrouni said that care leavers are offered support, but that what they need is “a game-changer”.
“We have an opportunity now to help benefit Monmouthshire care leavers in relation to Universal Basic Income and this pilot,” he said.
“To ensure that Monmouthshire care leavers do not lose out in any pilot that comes forward from the Welsh Government.”
Labour councillor Tudor Thomas gave his backing to the motion, saying that a lack of financial support is one of the “biggest problems” facing people who leave care.
“They make big efforts to find work and they are helped by their support officers, but having a basic income so they have got some security I think is a good idea,” he said.
However Cllr Penny Jones, cabinet member for social care, safeguarding and health, said she did not know enough about the proposals to support the motion, though she said that she would be open to considering it in the future.
“A pilot can be successful or it can be a failure, so it doesn’t mean it’s a panacea for all evils,” she said.
“I would like to know much, much more about it.”
Cllr Jane Pratt said more details were needed about the proposal and the proposed motion.
“A few details in the chat box on the back of a fag packet quite frankly don’t cut it with me,” she said.
The amendment was defeated.
The original motion, which recognised that council will continue to offer support and guidance to people leaving care, including the financial support they need, was passed.
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