YOUNG care leavers aged between 18 and 25-years-old are set to receive help with council tax payments from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to support them as they set up home on their own or with others.

The borough council’s cabinet has agreed that from April 1, 2019, young people who have previously been in the care of Hampshire County Council will get a reduction on their council tax bill.

The initiative aims to relieve the financial burden on young adults who have previously been in care and was agreed by councillors to give them a positive start to independent living.

Under the scheme, there will be a 100 per cent discount for those aged between 18 and 21 who are solely responsible for their council tax, with the discount then reduced by 25 per cent each year until they are 25.

Discounts of 50 per off the council tax bill for the property will be given to a care leaver who lives with another adult, while a 25 per cent reduction will be made to those who live with more than two adults.

Care leavers who were looked after by a local authority are one of the most vulnerable groups in the community and at risk of falling into debt. This was highlighted by the Children’s Society’s Wolf at the Door campaign.

The borough council will fully fund the care leavers’ discount scheme at an estimated cost of £10,000 a year.

However, Brookvale and King’s Furlong ward councillor, Michael Westbrook, pictured, who originally proposed the idea at a previous full meeting of the borough council, said there should be no tapered discount when people reach the age of 25.

The Labour councillor said: “We need to remember we are talking about some of the most vulnerable people in the borough.

“This policy should be about assistance not education, the last thing a young care leaver needs is more complications”

Cabinet member for finance, service delivery and improvement, Cllr Robert Tate said: “By giving this help to young adults leaving care at a time when they are facing paying bills for the first time, we can make it easier for them to find a home of their own and encourage others to offer them accommodation.

“The way in which we have set up the scheme means they can take steps to becoming financially independent and avoid getting into debt. This new scheme is another example of our support for the more vulnerable people in our community.” For more information go to basingstoke.gov.uk/council-tax-discount.