Issue - meetings

The Cabinet is being asked to agree in principal to support care leavers by paying the Surrey County Council proportion of Council Tax (around 75% of the total amount of Council Tax), for those care leavers living by themselves (independent living) or sharing with others with some support (semi-independent living).

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee]

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council Tax Relief be provided, for the Surrey County Council proportion of Council Tax, for Care Leavers (living in and out of the county) in independent and semi-independent living arrangements from 1 April 2020 from the ages of 18-25 years old (up to their 25th birthday) was agreed in principle.

2.    That for Care Leavers from the ages of 18-25 years old (up to their 25th birthday), living in independent and semi-independent living arrangements outside of Surrey County Council local authority area; that 75% of their Council Tax is paid for Surrey County Council was agreed.

3.    That Cabinet review this each political cycle (i.e. every 4 years), including understanding the impact this has made for Care Leavers, with the first review taking place in 2021 following the County Council elections was agreed.

Reason for Decision:

Through its Corporate Parenting responsibilities Surrey County Council (and its partners) has a duty to do the very best for Children in Care and Care Leavers, and provide the necessary care and support so they can achieve their potential. Supporting with the cost of living through Council Tax Relief will help Care Leavers to manage their transition to adulthood and help make their own home affordable, providing stability and a safe place.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee]

The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families introduced a report that sought agreement to support care leavers by paying the Surrey County Council proportion of Council Tax (around 75% of the total amount of Council Tax), for those care leavers living by themselves (independent living) or sharing with others with some support (semi-independent living).  She went on to explain that currently in the local authority area of Surrey a small number of district and borough areas were providing council tax relief for care leavers, however this was an inconsistent offer resulting in unfairness.  Conversations with districts and boroughs would be ongoing and the with the Police & Crime Commissioner.

Mr Will Forster addressed the Cabinet and stated he was pleased this was happening and requested that all care leavers be notified that they didn’t have to pay when the districts & boroughs send out the bills.  The Cabinet Member agreed to take this suggestion forward.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council Tax Relief be provided, for the Surrey County Council proportion of Council Tax, for Care Leavers (living in and out of the county) in independent and semi-independent living arrangements from 1 April 2020 from the ages of 18-25 years old (up to their 25th birthday) was agreed in principle.

2.    That for Care Leavers from the ages of 18-25 years old (up to their 25th birthday), living in independent and semi-independent living arrangements outside of Surrey County Council local authority area; that 75% of their Council Tax is paid for Surrey County Council was agreed.

3.    That Cabinet review this each political cycle (i.e. every 4 years), including understanding the impact this has made for Care Leavers, with the first review taking place in 2021 following the County Council elections was agreed.

Reason for Decision:

Through its Corporate Parenting responsibilities Surrey County Council (and its partners) has a duty to do the very best for Children in Care and Care Leavers, and provide the necessary care and support so they can achieve their potential. Supporting with the cost of living through Council Tax Relief will help Care Leavers to manage their transition to adulthood and help make their own home affordable, providing stability and a safe place.

The decision was unanimous.