Care leavers get support to find work and tax break

YOUNG people leaving care in a Widnes neighbourhood will be given greater support into employment and exemption from paying council tax.

Knowsley Council has announced a council tax scheme which applies to any young person currently aged between 18 and 21 who has left care in the area, whether or not they continue to live within the borough.

The exemption will last until they’re 25-years-old.

Cronton in Widnes is part of Knowsley Council.

Knowsley has followed Halton Borough Council after the latter’s executive board approved moves in September so care leavers aged from 18 to 25 in Runcorn and Widnes pay no council tax.

Knowsley also plans to launch a new 12-month placement for care leavers who are struggling to find a job and would give them paid work experience in a role that interests them, working for the council.

Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Joan Lilly, said: “For any young person, growing up and learning to live independently is a daunting prospect, but in most cases they have help and support from parents and other family members.

“Some of our young people leaving care don’t have that support to count on, which is where we, as their corporate parents, have to step in.

“Young people leaving care often find themselves living independently much earlier than their peers, and on top of that, can find it more difficult to find a job because of the experiences they’ve had in childhood.

“Both of these things mean they are more likely to struggle financially.

“By offering a bit of breathing space with the council tax exemption, and offering more support to get care leavers into work, we hope to make life a little easier for these young adults.”

The Introduction To Work scheme will lead to jobs created at the council for up to 10 care leavers per year, in roles suited to their skills and interests.

As well as giving them real, paid work experience, the young people will be supported throughout the 12-month placement with a package of support that will include a Knowsley Works mentor and a personal advisor.

The programme will be initially targeted at care leavers aged 18 and 19, with plans to extend it to young people between 16 to 21 in the future.

Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for resources, Cllr Gary See, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to exempt care leavers from council tax charges – it means more money in their pockets every month and provides one less financial worry at a time of great change.”