With a growing number of care leavers already benefiting, Cornwall Council is calling on all under 25s leaving care to come forward to find out whether support including a new exemption on paying council tax could help them take their first steps towards independence.
The Council is asking all 18 – 25 year olds who are leaving care, to call Joss Wills, 16 plus manager on 01872 327536 or speak to their current or previous personal adviser, to find out more.
Changes to the Children and Social Work Bill 2017 require all local authorities to expand their corporate parenting duties to care leavers up to 25. This means that more young people leaving care in Cornwall are eligible for a range of help and support.
The council estimates about 320 young people leaving care in Cornwall could now be exempt from paying council tax following the changes. So far, 45 young people between 18 – 25 years old have successfully come forward to claim the exceptional relief award, which automatically exempts them paying council tax.
The council already offers a 16 plus service that works with care leavers, in partnership with a local voluntary organisation, Carefree. The 16 plus team keeps in touch with all care leavers through personal advisers and is focused on providing the right emotional and practical support to ensure successful outcomes. The extended council tax exemption will be part of the new local offer and will make a significant difference to young people.
Cabinet member for Children and Wellbeing Sally Hawken said that the new exemption for council tax, alongside the care and support provided by personal advisers could make all the difference to a young person making the transition from care to living alone, at the point where they need it most.
Cllr Hawken said: “Last year in Cornwall, 75% of care leavers were in education, training and employment, one of the highest levels in the country. We want to give them the best support into adulthood we can in the same way a parent would.
“These are young people who move into independence in many cases much earlier than their peers. They also are much more likely to experience debt difficulties. We want to give them help at the point where they need it most.
“That is why we are working hard to let those young people who could be eligible for more information to make the call. It could make all the difference to their situation.“