Cornwall Council will provide an exemption on paying council tax for care leavers up until the age of 25 to help them make the transition to independence.

Last year in Cornwall, 75% of care leavers were in education, training and employment,  one of the highest levels in the country.

The council says it is committed to supporting care leavers into adulthood in the same way a parent would.

Cabinet member for children and well-being, Liskeard councillor Sally Hawken, said funding of £25,000 has been put aside each year to provide the additional support.

‘The exemption is part of an overall strategy to improve the outcomes for care leavers so that they are more able to participate positively in the local community.

‘This means we can support care leavers to make the transition to adulthood and independence, in the way we would help our own children’. 

The Council has a 16-plus service that works with care leavers and does this in partnership with a local voluntary organisation, Carefree.

This partnership is preparing for the new statutory duties to support young people up to 25.

The 16+ service runs a range of provision for care leavers including ‘Open Door’ a supported lodgings scheme in which local landlords provide supported accommodation.

If you are interested in providing supported lodgings for young people leaving care please contact 01872 323638

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer for children in care please contact 01872 323638.