Young people leaving the care system in Dudley are set to get extra help with paying their council tax.

Dudley Council launched a consultation on potential changes to its council tax reduction (CTR) scheme in the summer. CTR reduces the amount of council tax that low income households have to pay to the local authority.

The consultation asked if people were in favour of introducing a new ‘vulnerable category’ for care leavers aged 18 to 24 to its CTR scheme. The means-tested reduction would result in some care leavers under the age of 25 having their council tax reduced, with some potentially paying nothing.

Residents were also asked if they were in favour of an increase in the minimum amount those in low-income homes should pay towards their council tax bill. That figure is currently set at 22 per cent and the proposals, which go to cabinet on 26 October, would see that rise to 23 per cent – an increase of 18p per week for a band B property. Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance, said:

“These proposals could really benefit young people on low incomes who are leaving care.

“This change would allow us to reduce, or in some cases remove the need for them to pay council tax, giving them a helping hand as they make the move from care to independence.

“This new category in our council tax reduction scheme will enable us to support young people until they're 25 as they start out life as young adults.”