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(1) 
That up to the age of 21, Blackburn with Darwen Care Leavers who
met the eligibility criteria would receive full assistance with
their Council Tax payments.  For those
living in Blackburn with Darwen this would be by way of Council Tax
exemption.  For those living in the area
of other billing authorities (i.e. out of the borough) assistance
would be via financial contributions to the cost of their
bill.  In both cases, this additional
assistance would be provided after the application of all other
discounts, exemptions, and any entitlement to Council Tax reduction
had been applied.
 
(2) 
That Blackburn with Darwen Care Leavers aged between 21 to 24 years
who met the eligibility criteria would have individual needs
assessments completed within their Pathway Plans which would
determine any level of Council Tax support based on the
adult’s position with regard to their education, employment
or training (EET) status and in support or preparation for
adulthood.  The amount of assistance
provided would be determined by the Payments Panel after
consideration of all relevant information and after the application
of all other discounts, exemptions and any entitlement to Council
Tax reduction had been applied.
 
(3) 
That accrued arrears of Council Tax for financial year predating
2024/25 to be written off by the Local Authority for Care Leavers
who live in Blackburn with Darwen. 
There were seven care leavers who lived out of the borough who had
accrued arears which would have to be paid to the relevant Local
Authorities.
 
(4) 
That the Care Leavers Council Tax Policy, attached to the report at
Appendix 1) be approved.