Calderdale Council has taken a major step forward in its commitment to young people leaving care, announcing that care leavers in the borough will now be fully exempt from paying Council Tax.
As the corporate parent for children and young people who cannot safely remain with their families, the Council is dedicated to ensuring every care-experienced young person has the stability, support and opportunities they need to thrive. This latest initiative builds on a strong foundation of action to champion the rights and life chances of care leavers.
Calderdale is already a signatory to the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter, reinforcing its determination to help care-experienced young people succeed in the workplace.
Earlier this year, the Council also became one of a growing number of local authorities to recognise care experience as a protected characteristic, offering the same protections from discrimination as characteristics such as age, race, sex, sexual orientation and religion.
The newly introduced Council Tax exemption further strengthens this commitment. Under the scheme, care leavers living alone will not be required to pay Council Tax until the age of 25, easing financial pressure during the crucial transition into adulthood. The change will be applied automatically and backdated to April 2025 for all eligible Calderdale residents.
This enhanced support forms part of the Council’s wider ambition to ensure care-experienced young people are empowered to become confident, independent and successful adults. The Council has pledged to continue expanding its offer for care leavers and to ensure their voices and needs remain central to decision-making.
Cllr Adam Wilkinson, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said:
“We take our responsibilities as corporate parents incredibly seriously, and we are unwavering in our commitment to giving our young people the very best start in adult life.
“We know that leaving the care system can bring challenges, and this new Council Tax exemption will make a real difference by easing financial pressures and helping our young people focus on building their futures.
“We already place care leavers at the heart of our policies and services, and I’m proud that we are going even further with this important investment in their wellbeing and success.”
For more information on Council Tax discounts and exemptions, visit:
https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-and-exemptions
For advice and support with money matters, visit: