Care leavers may be exempt from paying Council Tax, or may be disregarded from the calculation of the number of adult residents for Council Tax discount purposes.
From 1 April 2018, the Scottish Government has introduced new legislation to provide a Council Tax exemption or discount for local authority care leavers.
If a dwelling is occupied only by care leavers or a combination of care leavers, students, recent school leavers, persons under 18 and those affected by a severe mental impairment an exemption may apply.
Otherwise the care leaver will be disregarded from the calculation of the number of adults in a dwelling when assessing entitlement to a Council Tax discount.
Eligibility
A care leaver is defined as a person who:
- Is at least 18 years of age but not yet 26 years of age;
- Was on that person's sixteenth birthday, or at any subsequent time, looked after by a Local Authority; and
- Is no longer looked after by a Local Authority
How to apply
Applications are now part of our wider 'Apply Once' application form where you can find out what other benefits, discounts and exemptions administered by the Council you're entitled to receive.
Complete our online application form
Alternatively, if you are unable to complete our online application, please download and complete the Application for Care Leaver Exemption or Discount (PDF, 406 KB) . This can be returned by post to Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street, Perth, PH1 5GD or by e-mail to localtaxes@pkc.gov.uk. Please contact Local Taxes on 01738 477430 if you require any assistance with this.
Other help available
For further advice about benefit entitlement or other help available, please contact the Welfare Rights Advice Line on 01738 476900 (option 1) or visit the Benefits and advice section.
Share this page
