Calls have come for care leavers to be exempt from paying for council tax, among a number of other services, to ensure that they aren’t pushed into financial hardship as they work towards independence.
Every year more than 11,000 young people leave care, with councils becoming responsible for ensuring that they get the best start to life and independence as possible. This has led to the Local Government Association calling for a council tax exemption, funded by the government, for those leaving care up to the age of 25.
By implementing this exemption, those leaving care would face a better chance of avoiding financial difficulty when they begin their life outside of care. Alongside the exemption on council tax, the LGA has also called for an exemption on having to pay for prescriptions, NHS dental treatment and optician costs to make sure that care leavers don’t miss out on the vital services that they need to stay healthy.
Currently, 83% of young people who have experienced care are struggling to afford the essentials, as they are more financially vulnerable than their peers. With this in mind, a nationwide exemption would make sure that there is a consistent offer of support, rather than the postcode lottery that comes with the current system where only some councils offer the exemption.
Councillor Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said:
“Avoiding financial hardship is vital for care leavers to make the successful transition from care to independence.
“As part of National Care Leavers Week, we have set out a programme of change which we urge the government to consider, to guarantee a more consistent offer for care leavers across the country and continue promoting the best possible outcomes for our children leaving care.
“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.”
The call for national funding comes with councils doing everything in their power to support their most vulnerable residents, despite the budget challenges that they face.
Image credit: iStock
