- March 8, 2019
- Posted by: Vikki Howells MS
- Category: Latest News
Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells has welcomed a Welsh Labour Government initiative to exempt all care leavers under 25 in Wales from paying council tax.
The changes will come into force from 1 April 2019, and follows on from a public consultation in which over 90% of respondents expressed 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.
RCT Council brought in a 100% reduction for care leavers aged 18 to 25 which was effective from April 2018 – but now the changes will apply all across Wales.
The new legislation is the latest in a series of measures designed to make council tax fairer in Wales – a key Welsh Labour commitment.
Vikki Howells AM said:-
“Welsh Labour are committed to making Council Tax fairer and this legislation is about making that happen.
“I am proud to back these plans, which aim to provide extra support to care leavers as they transition into adulthood and independent living.
“RCT Council has been really proactive on ensuring fair play for care leavers, but bringing the same rules in for all Welsh citizens is a sensible intervention by Welsh Ministers.
“There are many other discounts, reductions and exemptions available and I would encourage everyone to check the Welsh Government website to see if they could be paying less council tax.”
Find out more about Council Tax discounts that may be available at https://beta.gov.wales/pay-less-council-tax