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Council Tax exemption for care leavers
YOUNG people leaving care in Liverpool
are set to be granted an exemption from paying Council Tax. The Council's
Cabinet is being recommended to approve the proposal which would benefit young
people up to the age of 21 who are leaving the care system and starting to lead
independent lives.
It follows a request from Liverpool's Children in Care Council, a group that
represents young people in care in the city, and the move is also backed by the
Children's Society.
Evidence shows that care leavers often move in to their own house or flat
earlier than their peers, and they are a particularly vulnerable group for
getting into debt.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said:- "Young people leaving care face a
difficult transition in to adulthood and managing money for the 1st time leaves
them at real risk. We all want the best for our children, and as their corporate
parent it is right and proper that we do all we can to support them as much as
we can, to help get their independence off to a good start."
Councillor Barry Kushner, Cabinet member for Children's Services, said:-
"There are only 20 Councils that offer care leavers Council Tax exemption, and I
am proud that Liverpool is joining this list. We help give care leavers a good
start to their adult life and this decision will add to the support we offer in
funding a tenancy with a social landlord as well as access to training and paid
work placements."
Caitlin Ruddy from the Children in Care Council said:- "This exemption is
going to help us transition from care to independence so much. Many of us give
up on a property because we get into debt with Council Tax. It will also be a
big incentive for our care leavers to gain employment and stay in work and we
thank the Council for its help and support."
Currently, 87 of Liverpool's 393 care leavers are in independent accommodation
and would be eligible for the exemption, which would be worth at lEast ₤875 a
year (based on a young person living on their own in a Band A property).
Those who live outside of the City boundary will receive a payment equivalent to
the amount of Council Tax they have to pay.
People that foster one or more child for the City Council already get free
Council Tax, as part of a package of measures to support those helping look
after the city's vulnerable young people.
The Cabinet meets, on Friday, 21 July 2017, to consider the recommendation.
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