Consultation on care leavers receiving 100 per cent Council Tax discount
Published: 6 November 2023
A consultation has been launched on a proposed plan to give care leavers a 100 per cent discount on their Council Tax.
The aim of the plan is to financially support them whilst they develop independent lives and life skills.
The City Council is proposing to introduce 100% council tax support to care leavers living in Exeter who are looked after by Devon County Council, up to age 25.
Council Tax Support, also known as Council Tax Reduction, is a discount off a Council Tax bill. The level of discount given is based on the income of the household.
Councils are required to review their schemes each year and decide if they want to make any changes. Before any changes can be implemented, they must be subject to public consultation.
The change is being proposed as there is an ambition between Devon County Council and the district authorities in Devon to achieve a 100% council tax exemption for care leavers who qualify.
Care leavers face the challenge of having to cope with the demands of living on their own at a young age. This includes having to maintain a home and manage finances, without support from family.
There are unique challenges that looked-after children and care leavers face. 60% of children become looked-after due to abuse or neglect and they have poorer educational and health outcomes than their peers.
The latest information provided by Devon County Council confirms that there are 161 care leavers aged 18 to 24 living in Exeter, of which 50 have a Council Tax liability.
If this support for care leavers is introduced, based on that latest information, the annual cost would be £24,836 and that would be shared between preceptors Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon & Cornwall and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority.
The annual cost to Exeter City Council on current figures, would be £2,007.
For more information visit the Council’s website. Share your views by completing this short questionnaire.
Alternatively write to Council Tax Support 2024-25 Consultation, Exeter City Council, Civic Centre, Paris Street, Exeter, EX1 1JN.
The consultation closes at midnight on 12 December.