Care leavers aged 18 to 25 will pay no council tax, in a bid to ease their transition into adulthood, after moves were approved by Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board.

It is after a Children’s Society campaign, which identified a range of disadvantages that Care Leavers typically experience. The campaign called upon local authorities to do more to support families who are struggling with council tax debt, in particular, care leavers.

Halton Borough Council agrees with the campaign’s principal sentiment that young people’s transition out of care and into adulthood is extremely difficult and that managing money for the first time can leave Care Leavers vulnerable and at risk of falling into debt.

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Finance, Cllr Mike Wharton, said: “Care Leavers who were looked after by a local authority rather than their parents are amongst the most vulnerable groups in our community.

“Outcomes for this group are generally poor and, as corporate parents, the Council wants to keep them safe, make sure their experiences leaving care and moving into independent living are positive and improve their ongoing life chances.”

Sam Royston, Director of Policy and Research at The Children’s Society, which has campaigned nationally for care leavers to be exempted from council tax, said: “Care leavers have often experienced a really difficult upbringing and they may have experienced abuse, neglect or family breakdown which can have a big impact upon their life chances.

“Without the family support most young people get as they become adults, care leavers often struggle to juggle their household bills and make ends meet. Many find themselves in debt, or having to go without food or other basic necessities.

“To expect some of the country’s most vulnerable young people to start paying council tax just days after leaving care is setting them up to fail.

“We’re delighted that Halton Borough Council is introducing this exemption which will make life easier for many young people making the move into independent living.”

The new policy will come into effect in April 2018.