Sheffield City Council has introduced a council tax exemption scheme for young care leavers.

The scheme applies to those who are care experienced at the age of 18 and the exemption remains in place up until the age of 21.

It applies to all care leavers regardless of their income and financial situation.

Councillor Dawn Dale, Chair of the Education, Children and Families Committee said: “Sheffield is at the forefront of supporting care-experienced young people.

“This ensures care-experienced young people in Sheffield feel their wellbeing is supported and that they are part of a caring community”

The Council’s decision reflects its ongoing commitment to equal opportunities for all, limiting certain barriers found on the ladder to success.

The scheme was approved with unilateral support back in December by the Finance and Performance Policy Committee.

Their Chair, Councillor Zahira Naz, placed emphasis on how the scheme will support growing independence, aspirations and financial responsibility for a group that is often one of the most poverty stricken.

The scheme itself has been costed at £94,300 in line with the amount of those who fit the criteria.

But, the Council also plans to clear existing council tax arrears for those in the criteria, a total cost of approximately £460,000.

Groups like the Children’s Society have been calling for tax exemptions for care experienced young people for years, wanting a full tax exemption up until the age of 25.

Sheffield joins a growing number of local authorities responding to such national calls to ease financial pressure on care leavers.

For more information about the scheme and Council Tax visit https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/council-tax