AM welcomes new legislation to exempt care leavers from council tax

Joyce urges residents to check if they could be paying less council tax

A local Assembly Member has supported a plan to exempt care leavers under 25 from paying council tax. Joyce Watson AM also urged residents to check if they could be paying less council tax.

This week the Welsh Labour Government laid the necessary legislation before the Assembly to exempt care leavers from paying council tax. The changes will come into force from 1 April 2019.

Joyce Watson AM said:

“Looked after young people face multiple challenges, and many struggle when they leave care. This is a practical step to help care leavers make a successful transition into adulthood and independent living.”

The Welsh Labour Government had previously consulted the public on the plans, with over 90% of respondents expressing their support for the proposals.

The principle of exempting care leavers from paying council tax has been widely accepted for some time, but the level of support available to care leavers across Wales has been inconsistent.

The new legislation is the latest in a series of measures designed to make council tax fairer in Wales.

Mrs Watson continued:

“I was proud to back these plans. Welsh Labour are committed to making council tax fairer, and this legislation will help make that happen.

“I would urge everyone to check the Welsh Government website on  https://beta.gov.wales/pay-less-council-tax to see if you could be paying less council tax, as there are many other discounts, reductions and exemptions available.”