Council Tax reduction for care leavers increased to include 25-year-olds
The Forest of Dean District Council will increase the age limit of its council tax reduction for care leavers from twenty-one to twenty-five years-old and make care leavers from outside the district eligible for the reduction.
Councillor Andy Moore, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:
“Young adults who are leaving care face a difficult start to their life and evidence suggests that they are more likely to experience homelessness than none care leavers. So, it’s crucial that we do everything we can to support them as they make the journey out of care.
“By giving care leavers this reduction in council tax, we’re giving them some breathing room whilst they get used to living independently and developing their own financial security. It’s fantastic that through partnership with our colleagues across Gloucestershire, we’re able to increase this offer to include care leavers up to the age of twenty-five.”
In 2019, the council worked with other authorities across Gloucestershire to bring in council tax reduction for care leavers up to the age of twenty-one. This was a decision based on the view that local authorities should act as a ‘corporate parent’ and recognise the challenges faced by young people leaving care.
Following the Cabinet’s decision, the age of those eligible for this reduction will be increased to twenty-five and will also include care leavers who have moved into the district. This change will come into effect from the 1st of April 2024.
The reduction means that any care leaver who is the sole occupier of a property will receive a 100% discount on their council tax; whilst any care leaver who is a joint occupier will receive a 50% discount.
To find more about the care leavers offer head to Gloucestershire County Council’s website here: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/children-young-people-and-families/care-leavers-offer/