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The reality of leaving care

Growing up should be exciting, but when young people are suddenly faced with the prospect of living independently and paying for rent, bills, and food it can be scary. For care leavers, the transition into adulthood can be even more difficult. Fatima campaigned for her council to exempt care leavers from paying council tax, and she wants every council to do the same.

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becoming a campaigner

group young people high fiving

Why did you become a campaigner?

I became a campaigner to call for better care provision, support package and policy reform within the English care system. Ultimately, to improve the lives of care leavers.

Care leavers in England not only deal with family breakdown, loneliness and chronic mental health issues, they also face high rate of criminalisation, academic failure and unemployment, leading to poverty, homelessness and drugs abuse.

The council tax exemption is one of the campaigns I feel most strongly about because I was fortunate enough to benefit from it. However, not all care leavers are as lucky as me. Some councils still demand council tax from young people as soon as they leave care.

It's a postcode lottery of care-related poverty.

What is the council tax exemption?

The council tax exemption for care leavers is a relief from paying council tax between the age of 18 and 25. Across England, roughly two thirds of local authorities implemented this exemption. 

It means care leavers don't need to worry about hefty council tax bills as they move into independent living. I’m proud to say my council – Croydon - is one of them. As a children in care champion, I helped make it happen.

The relief lessened my money worries and allowed me to focus on my rent, living costs and savings.

Sadly, not all councils have introduced the exemption. In some areas, young people are carrying mounting council tax debt with the constant worry of further bills and fines.

I’m campaigning for transparent, reliable and consistent council tax exemption policies across all local authorities in England.

young people protesting with megaphone

Our campaigns

We're currently campaigning to transform the well-being of young people and improve the lives of those who need hope most.

Advice

Do you have advice for a young care leaver?

To a care leaver, I want them to know, there is help, support and effective advocacy out there for you. Research, reach out and connect with your personal advisor, local and regional organisations as well as your peers. Independent life can be daunting, but you’ve survived so much more.

No doubt you can thrive at it with your acquired resilience, adequate support and honest communication with your support network.  

Let your experience of care be your most positive driving force! Let your experience of care be your most positive driving force!

young girl protesting with her fist in the air

Campaign for change

If you'd like to speak up for children's rights in your community, join our team of Campaign Champions. 

They play an important role in getting voices heard and creating real positive change for children and young people.