At next Tuesday’s Cabinet Meeting (20th January), Hounslow’s Labour administration are set to approve a report outlining the extension of Council Tax relief for care leavers.
The exemption will be extended from 21 until the date of their 25th birthday and is designed to address the structural inequalities faced by this group.
The change is subject to approval of the 2026/27 budget and will come into effect in April.
This report outlines the council tax base (or number of eligible households). It is estimated that the change in policy on care leavers amounts to around 70 Band D properties (‘Band D’ being the average council tax rate) and is fully provided for within the Council’s budget provisions.
Commenting on the policy change for care leavers, Hounslow Labour Leader, Shantanu Rajawat commented:
“Extending council tax relief to all care leavers up until they turn 25 is exactly the kind of decision a Labour Council should be making.
“Care leavers face greater levels of structural inequality when it comes to housing and career progression – often without the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to fall back on.
“That’s why this Labour administration already provides care leavers with dedicated support, like a personal pathway plan, help with moving costs (including a furniture allowance) and access to further and higher education bursaries.
“This is about making fairer choices – ensuring all of our residents are given a fairer start in life.”