Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director Finance.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council agree for a public consultation on the proposed change to the local Council Tax Support Scheme for the working age for 2024-25 to introduce a class within the scheme to award 100% council tax support to care leavers looked after by Devon County Council, up to the age of 25.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which sought Members’ agreement to carry out a consultation on a proposed change to the local Council Tax Support Scheme for working age for 2024-25, to create a class of support within the scheme, to award 100% council tax support to care leavers who are looked after by Devon County Council, up to age of 25. The report followed on from the report presented to the Executive meeting on 5 September 2023, recommending in principle approval for a Council Tax exemption for care leavers up to the age of 25, subject to a further report setting out all the implications and financial impact to the Council.

Members were advised that the consultation would formally consult with the preceptors who would be impacted by the decision as well as formally consult with the public. A report would be brought back, following consultation, to request approval to enact the scheme from 1 April 2024.

Councillor Jobson, as an opposition group leader, spoke on this item and supported the recommendations.

Members welcomed and supported the report.

RECOMMENDED that Council agree for a public consultation on the proposed change to the local Council Tax Support Scheme for the working age for 2024-25 to introduce a class within the scheme to award 100% council tax support to care leavers looked after by Devon County Council, up to the age of 25.