Issue - meetings

To introduce a care leavers’ discount for council tax.

The Scrutiny Commission gave consideration to this report at its meeting on 13 September. An extract from the minutes of that meeting is attached.

Consideration was given to the recommendation to introduce a care leaver’s discount for council tax and to reduce to nil the amount of council tax payable by young people leaving care from 1 April 2019 as permitted by section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

It was moved by Councillor Ladkin, seconded by Councillor Morrell and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The Care Leavers Council Tax Relief policy be approved;

(ii)           A local council tax discount be awarded to this class of charge payers to reduce their council tax bill to nil.

To recommend introduction of a care leavers’ discount for council tax.

Consideration was given to a report which recommended using discretionary powers to offer discounted council tax to young people leaving care following a campaign by the Children’s Society. It was explained that the charge payable would be nil until the age of 25 and it was estimated that 35 young people in the borough would benefit.

RESOLVED – the initiative be welcomed and RECOMMENDED to Council.