Decision details

Cabinet considered a report on a proposal to provide a council tax exemption to care leavers living in independent accommodation from 18 up until the age of 25.

Alternative options considered, and rejected, by the Cabinet:

·         A variance on the scheme could be proposed i.e. a different level of discount, or for a shorter time.

·         Do nothing

Resolved:

1.    that Care Leavers living in independent accommodation be exempt from Council Tax until the age of 25 from April 2020; and

2.    to note that from January 2020 Everyone Active, who operate Spelthorne and Sunbury Leisure Centres, will provide free swimming for children in care and care leavers up to age of 25

Reason for Decision

Care leavers who are living independently for the first time find managing their own finances extremely challenging, due to issues such as limited family support.  This can mean that care leavers may fall into debt and financial difficulty.