Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Council provides feedback to Cabinet on the potential introduction of a Council Tax Discount scheme for care leavers; and

(b)       That the Council supports the development of a Council Tax Discretionary Discount scheme for Care Leavers, subject to final approval of Cabinet, with the aim of providing discounts of up to 100% to all care leavers up to the age of 25.

A report was received on proposals to provide a discount of up to 100% from the payment of Council Tax to care leavers aged between 18 and 25 residing in Flintshire.

As Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Christine Jones welcomed the proposals to help vulnerable young people in their transition to adulthood and independent living.

The Revenues Manager advised that the estimated cost of funding the scheme would be around £14K per annum and that up to ten individuals in Flintshire would qualify for a discount including care leavers residing in Flintshire but had previously been in the care of another council.  If supported by Members, Cabinet would be asked to adopt the new scheme with effect from 1 April 2018.

As Chairman of the Children’s Services Forum, Councillor Bithell welcomed the proposals.

In response to a query by Councillor Carver, the Revenues Manager explained that the policy for the scheme would take account of differing circumstances and living arrangements.

In supporting the proposals, Councillor Tudor Jones spoke about the need for continued support to care leavers beyond the age of 18.  The Chief Officer (Social Services) advised that support was available for care leavers up to the age of 25, depending on the individual’s circumstances.  He referred to plans to further strengthen support for care leavers.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Council provides feedback to Cabinet on the potential introduction of a Council Tax Discount scheme for care leavers; and

(b)       That the Council supports the development of a Council Tax Discretionary Discount scheme for Care Leavers, subject to final approval of Cabinet, with the aim of providing discounts of up to 100% to all care leavers up to the age of 25.