Fight for a fairer start for care leavers

In 2015, we conducted research with a group of young care leavers, who told us that council tax was a serious issue for them. Falling behind on council tax bills can quickly lead to debt. All too often, this escalates into letters from the council and the threat of bailiffs and court summons.  

Councils have a legal responsibility for young people who have been in their care until they turn 25. This means the council must act in the best interests of young care leavers and their physical and mental health. But burdening care leavers with hefty council tax bills as they navigate the transition to independent living puts them at risk. 

Now, in 2023, there is the added pressure of the cost of living crisis. With the prices of essentials rising and bills increasing across the board, it’s more important than ever to reduce the financial burden on young people leaving care. 

Ask your local council to lighten the load for care leavers.

We’ve been campaigning on this issue since 2016, calling for care leavers to be exempt from paying council tax until they turn 25. This would relieve a huge burden as they begin their adult lives. Together with supporters like you, we’ve made this a reality in Scotland and Wales, where it is national policy, and 241 local authorities in England have made the change too. That’s 75% of all councils in the UK. You’ve helped to transform the lives of thousands of young care leavers across the country.

But the campaign isn’t over yet. There are still 74 local authorities in England that haven’t yet taken this step and those that have made the change don’t have a consistent approach. This means that young care leavers are facing a postcode lottery. In some areas, they’re dealing with mounting council tax debts and the fear of further bills and fines, at a time when they should be being supported to look forward to their futures. Some care leavers lose their council tax relief when moving between local authority areas, too, as councils don’t share information. This adds huge pressure at an already stressful time. 

Now, in 2023, it’s time for every council to get on board and make young care leavers exempt from paying council tax. Write to your local council today.

There are many more councils that only offer a partial exemption for care leavers. Use our tool to send a personalised email to your council today, to make sure that all care leavers get the support they need.

• Care leaver council tax exemption councillor briefing
• Care leaver council motion