After section 514 of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56) insert—

“514AProvision of boarding accommodation for persons subject to learning difficulty assessment

(1)

A F1local authority in England may secure the provision of boarding accommodation in connection with the provision of education or training for a person in their area who is—

(a)

over compulsory school age but under 25, and

(b)

subject to learning difficulty assessment.

(2)

A F1local authority may secure the provision of boarding accommodation under subsection (1) either within or outside their area.

(3)

For the purposes of subsection (1) it is immaterial who provides, or secures the provision of, the education or training.

(4)

In this section “education” and “training” have the same meanings as in section 15ZA.”