William Eichler 04 November 2024

LGA: Care leavers should get council tax exemption

LGA: Care leavers should get council tax exemption image
Image: ShaunWilkinson / Shutterstock.com.

Care leavers should be exempt from paying council tax to help give them financial stability when they leave care, local authority leaders have said.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said a council tax exemption for those leaving care is ‘one of the most direct and effective ways’ of helping care leavers avoid financial difficulty.

An estimated 83% of young people leaving care struggle to afford essentials, according to a survey by the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum cited by the LGA.

Many local authorities have council tax exemptions or reductions in place for care leavers, but the decision is taken by individual authorities rather than central government.

As part of the National Care Leavers Week, the LGA has called for a Government-funded exemption covering all local authority areas which it argues would stop the ‘postcode lottery’.

Chair of the LGA, Cllr Louise Gittins, urged the Government to consider a ‘more consistent offer for care leavers across the country’.

‘Providing a nationally-government funded exemption for council tax, prescriptions, NHS dental treatment and optician costs will ensure no care leaver goes without access to services they rely on to stay healthy and well.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner