Care leaver discount

This policy sets out the Council’s approach to awarding discretionary reductions in liability for Council Tax under Section 13A (1) (C) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 in respect of specified care leavers aged 18 to 21 within the Council’s area from 1 April 2024.

This policy covers support available from 1 April 2024 to young people aged 18 to 21 leaving care in North and West Northamptonshire and residing within the West Northamptonshire Council area.

Support for care leavers up to age 21

Moving into independent living can pose significant challenges, especially when it comes to managing finances for the first time. As part of our commitment to supporting care leavers during this critical period, we offer discretionary reductions in Council Tax liability.

We will automatically grant a 100% discretionary discount on Council Tax liability to care leavers until they reach their 21st birthday.

The discount is awarded after all the other discounts and exemptions such as single person discount have been awarded and is proportionate to the number of residents liable for Council Tax in the property. For example, a Care leaver sharing with 3 other people would receive a 25% discount.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Council Tax Care Leaver Discount, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be between 18 and 20 years old, with the discount automatically applying until your 21st birthday
• Care leaver status: You must be classified as a care leaver, defined as a young person aged 18 to 21 who was formerly in the care of Northamptonshire Children's Trust and subsequently became a 'Former Relevant Child' as defined by The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000
• Residence: You must be living in West Northamptonshire
• Council Tax liability: You must be liable for Council Tax, either individually or jointly, with your name appearing on the Council Tax bill

How to apply

To apply for the Council Tax Care Leaver Discount, you'll need to submit a supporting statement from you and your Personal Assistant. The discount will apply until you turn 21, after which you may apply for Council Tax Reduction.

Please note that this discount applies only to Council Tax due after 1 April 2024. Any outstanding Council Tax from previous periods must still be paid.

Support for care leavers aged 21 to 25

For care leavers aged 21 to 25, support is available through the Local Council Tax Reduction scheme. To apply for this means-tested support, please visit apply for Council Tax Reduction.

Last updated 13 June 2024