Care leavers
New legislation was introduced by the Scottish Government on 1 April 2018 to exclude care leavers from paying Council Tax.
This means that, if you are a care leaver and you either live on your own or live with other care leavers, then you will not have to pay Council Tax.
If you live with someone else who is not a care leaver, you may be eligible for a discount in your Council Tax bill.
To qualify for a care leaver exemption or discount:
- you must be at least 18 years of age but not yet 26 years of age
- have been looked after by a Local Authority on your sixteenth birthday or at any subsequent time thereafter
- no longer be looked after by a Local Authority
When deciding if an exemption or discount can be applied, we will take into account:
- who is responsible for paying Council Tax in your household
- any other reductions that are already in place
- the number of other residents who live in your household who are over 17 years of age
If you think that you, or a member of your household may be entitled to a care leaver exemption or discount, please complete an application form and return to the Council Tax team.