Decision details

Update the Discretionary Class for Care Leavers included in the Council Tax Discretionary Discount Policy (Section 13A Local Government Finance Act 1992) with effect from 1 April 2025 as shown in attached policy, with definition also included below:
From 1 April 2025, the definition of a care leaver is defined as someone under the age of 25, who was looked after from one of the following North East Authorities under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000:
•Darlington Borough Council
•Durham County Council
•Gateshead Council
•Hartlepool Borough Council
•Middlesbrough Borough Council
•Newcastle City Council
•North Tyneside Council
•Northumberland County Council
•Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
•South Tyneside Council
•Stockton on Tees Borough Council
•Sunderland City Council
Where such a person becomes liable to pay Council Tax, their liability will be reduced to nil from 1 April 2025, until they reach the age of 25. Reciprocal arrangements will be made by each Authority.
Updated Policy and North East Reciprocal Arrangement is attached.

To support care leavers into independent living until the age of 25.
Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 allows the Council to reduce the amount of Council Tax payable. It can be considered for individual cases or the Council may determine classes of cases in which liability is eligible for reduction. A class of cases has already been determined for care leavers living in the Borough and previously receiving care in the Borough.
Acknowledging that some care leavers may move from the Borough in which they received care, but still live in the North East area, the 12 North East Local Authorities have created a reciprocal arrangement to extend support to all care leavers who have received care and continue to reside in any one of the 12 North East Local Authority’s.

Separately funding Stockton’s care leavers who move out of the area was considered however this was rejected due to the complexities in administration which could lead to individuals not receiving the necessary support.

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