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Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

While on average most children leave home at the age of 24, we face the problem in this country that many parents separate and there are reformulations of families. Certainly, in my experience, one can come across 16 year-olds who have been edged out of their homes because a new partner has arrived and they are not so welcome. We have to recognise that many of our young people have to manage on their own, without family support, far earlier than we would want. These are the very young people who would be particularly helped by the noble Baroness’s amendment. They are learning how to look after themselves. In the past they might have had a family around to ensure that they had a square meal; I am sure that we would see to it that our teenagers did. They are finding their feet in the world. Given the current financial difficulties, it would be laudable to implement this amendment. It is very much the right direction to move in and I hope that the Minister can give an encouraging response.