Decision details

To consider Council Tax Exemptions for Care Leavers for 2023/24.

The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of Operations (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the Council Tax exemption for care leavers, under the age of 25, from 2023/24.

The submitted report stated that since 1 April 2018, a provision had been made in the Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme to provide care leavers under the age of 25 up to 100 per cent support with their Council Tax costs; all other working aged people could only receive up to 80 per cent support with their Council Tax costs under the CTS scheme; as the CTS scheme was means tested, some young care leavers may still have some or all of their Council Tax costs to pay, depending on their income and other circumstances; and that it was proposed to replace the current provision in the CTS scheme for care leavers under the age of 25, with a full Council Tax exemption from 1 April 2023.  This would be achieved using the Council’s powers under section 13a of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (discretionary Council Tax discounts).

Particular reference was made to the financial implications of this change which were considered to be minimal, given that most care leavers under the age of 25 already received support with their Council Tax costs through the CTS scheme.

RESOLVED – That it be recommended to Council that the Council Tax exemption for care leavers under the age of 25 from 2023-24, be approved.

REASONS – (a)  This Council has a responsibility to support young care leavers whilst they are developing the skills and confidence to live independently.

?????

(b)  A Council Tax exemption will provide young care leavers with the assurance and stability with their Council Tax costs.

(c)  A Council Tax exemption will be much easier for the Council to administer than the current arrangements through the CTS scheme and for young care leavers to access and understand.?????