Council offers vital support to care leavers

Last year, Harborough District Council agreed that Care Leavers should be exempt from paying council tax.

The issue has been raised recently by Anne Longfield OBE – the Children’s Commissioner for England – who is urging local authorities to introduce a Care Leavers discount for Council Tax.

By exempting care leavers from the burden of paying council tax it can significantly reduce the stress on young people as they begin to live independently for the first time.

Cllr Phil King (pictured), Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I am pleased that this Council already has this in place and is leading the way in terms of the support we can offer care leavers. We fully acknowledge that young people leaving care can be a particularly vulnerable group. I am very happy we already offer this exemption – particularly at a time when young care leavers may be managing their own budget fully for the first time.”

Harborough District Council now wants to go further and is currently working with other Leicestershire local authorities to do even more to help care leavers – not just around council tax.

Cllr King added: “These commitments are in the early stages and will be announced as soon as we’re in a position to do so.”

Find out more about Council Tax discounts for care leavers at www.harborough.gov.uk/council-tax-discounts

Visit The Children’s Society website for more information on support for vulnerable young people.