• I AM delighted to hear that more than 16,000 care leavers will enjoy half-price bus and tram travel across London, directly supporting those who have left care after turning 18.

It will come into effect in the new year and will give care leavers more affordable travel as they progress in education or work.

London has the highest number of care leavers between 18 and 25 in the country, despite the higher costs of living in the capital.

Transitioning to living independently can be a huge challenge for care leavers, with many suffering from financial vulnerability, isolation, and loneliness.

This announcement by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is exactly the sort of help that some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Londoners need to help them with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

ANNE CLARKE AM
Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet & Camden
City Hall, E16 1ZE