Council tax scrapped for care leavers in Wales

New legislation is set to ensure young people leaving the care system in Wales will no longer have to pay council tax.

From 1st April, all care leavers under the age of 25 will be exempt from paying council tax.

Previously local authorities had operated under their own discretion, which led to discrepancies depending on where you live in the country, but the legislation will ensure the level of support provided to care leavers across Wales is consistent.

A care leaver is defined as any adult who spent time in care as a child, whether that be in foster care, residential care or another arrangement outside the immediate or extended family.

It’s the latest in a series of measures introduced by the Welsh Labour Government that they say are designed to make council tax fairer.

Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, has welcomed the decision saying: “Feedback from consultations suggest there is overwhelming support for this proposal and I am pleased the Welsh Government has outlined its commitment to supporting care leavers’ during their transition into adulthood and independent living.”

“There are many discounts, reductions and exemptions available to residents in Wrexham so I would encourage everyone to check the website – www.beta.gov.wales/pay-less-council-tax – to see if they are entitled to pay less council tax.”