Agenda item

That the policy for Care Leavers exemption from Council Tax as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved.

A report was considered that sought approval for a policy to exempt Slough’s Care Leavers from Council Tax as part of the Council’s commitment to support Looked After Children (LAC).

The policy had been developed following a Children’s Society report in 2015 titled ‘Wolf at the Door’ which recommended such as exemption to support young adults through the challenges in the transition from care to independent accommodation.  The Cabinet had previously agreed to introduce a scheme in Slough for which care leavers living both inside and outside of Slough would be eligible.  It was noted that in the 9 months that the scheme had been in operation 34 care leavers living in the borough and 3 who lived outside had been awarded the discount at a cost of £26,108.79.  It was requested that the Cabinet agree that the pilot scheme be made permanent.

The Cabinet was fully supportive of the policy to assist such young people transition into adult life.  It was noted that it was part of a much wider piece of work to support LAC such as leisure passes to promote their health and wellbeing.  Lead Members recognised the important role that the Reach Out! Group had in identifying the priorities of LAC which had included the idea of the Council Tax exemption.

The Cabinet agreed the policy to exempt Care Leavers from Council Tax.

Resolved –  That the policy for Care Leavers exemption from Council Tax as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved.