READING Borough Council is considering proposals which would see those leaving care in Reading given financial support.
In a meeting next week, councillors will discuss a report which outlines proposals for council tax changes which would help young care leavers through reductions on taxes.
In conjunction with Brighter Futures for Children, which delivers education and children’s services in Reading, the council worked on the plans which aim to alleviate the pressure caused by the cost of living for care leavers.
Under the current scheme, care leavers see a 100% reduction in council tax at the age of 18, a reduction of two-thirds from age 19, and of one-third from the age of 20, paying in full from 21.
New proposals would see the 100% reduction apply from ages 18-20, 66% reduction from ages 21-22, and a 33% reduction from ages 23-25.
Care leavers would then begin paying full rates in council tax from the age of 25.
Under a separate scheme, the Council is to consider treating care experience as a protected characteristic, similarly to how age, sex, race, and sexual orientation are treated.
This makes it a criminal offence to discriminate against a person with regards to the given characteristic, as the Council and BFfC aim to tackle the inequalities young people with experience in care face.
Lara Patel, executive director of children’s services, said: “Young people who have been in care are disadvantaged when looking for work and can be three times more likely not to be in employment, education or training than other young people.
“They may not have the family support to help them with applying for jobs, preparing for interviews or understanding expectations in the workplace.”
She explained: “By making care experience a protected characteristic, we can better understand the impact this is having on our young people, remove barriers and provide the support they need.
“Expanding council tax support for children looked after and care leavers is another practical way of helping our young people, which I’m sure will be very welcome in these financially challenging times.”
Graeme Hoskin, lead councillor for children’s services, said: “Even though we face serious Government underfunding of councils, I’m really pleased we’re looking to do this.
“We know it can be financially tough for young people leaving care and reducing their council tax bills is one action we can take to help them with the cost of living.”
He explained: “Care experienced young people can face inequalities if they have not had family support to develop life skills, manage their money and care for their emotional needs.
“As corporate parents, we have a responsibility to support this vulnerable group of young people and recognising care experience as a protected characteristic demonstrates the Council’s commitment to this.
“Services across the Council are committed to providing opportunities and support to care experienced young people and we are determined they should enjoy the same opportunities that we would want for our own children.”
The full proposal is available to view via: democracy.reading.gov.uk/documents
The planning meeting discussing the report is set to take place on Tuesday, October 17.
