A CAMPAIGN by young people to make care leavers in Devon exempt from paying Council Tax has been heralded a success, as each of Devon’ eight District Councils have agreed the proposal.

The campaign was brought by Devon County Council's (DCC) Stand Up Speak Up group, comprising care experienced young people who felt that waiving council tax would put all care leavers on a firmer footing financially, as they move into independence.

Young people in care often live with their foster families, and some choose to continue those arrangements as care leavers once they’ve turned 18.

But some move on to live elsewhere more independently, and with bills and rent to pay, it’s often difficult for those young people without having the financial security of a family behind them.

DCC councillors recently gave care leavers protected characteristic status, in recognition that young people’s experience of being in the care system can be a potential source of discrimination, similar to other protected characteristics.

That status means not only will the council do all it can to support children in care and care leavers, but that it will work with District Councils and other partners to improve support for care experienced people in all aspects of their lives, including housing and accommodation, health, employment and education.

The agreement by District Councils to exempt council tax for care leavers has been widely welcomed, as has DCC's agreement to cover the costs of Council Tax for Devon care leavers living out of the county.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Cabinet Member with responsibility for children in care and care leavers, said: 'I am delighted that our District Council partners are also doing what they can to support care experienced young people.

'It shows that as a collective Team Devon, we can help make these young people’s lives a little easier.'