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RESOLVED: that
Cabinet:
a)   
Noted the contents of this report.
b)   
Recommended to Council the implementation of the
proposed Care Leavers discount for 2024/25 and the policy shown at
Appendix A of this report.
 
REASONS RESOLVED:
·        
West Northamptonshire Council recognises the
vulnerability of people leaving care and its role as the corporate
parent. The recommended approach ensures that all eligible care
leavers receive the support they are entitled to.
 
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:
The proposal is to award a
local discount directly to the Council Tax account of Care Leavers
aged 18-21 after any other discounts and exemptions have been
applied and 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. The discount will
apply until the Care Leaver turns 21. From this date no discount
will apply but the Care Leaver can apply for Council Tax Reduction
so preventing that ‘cliff edge’ at 21.
 
Under the Local Council Tax
Reduction Scheme West Northamptonshire Council’s Care Leavers
can receive help with up to 100% of their Council Tax liability.
However, the scheme is means tested based on the income of the
household and the current scheme also relies on care leavers making
an application and providing all the required verification to
support the claim, this doesn’t always happen, and Care
Leavers do not get the support they are therefore potentially
entitled to.