Written Statement: Consultation on the proposal to remove care leavers from joint and several liability for council tax

Today, I am publishing a consultation on the proposal to remove care leavers aged 24 and under from joint and several liability for the payment of council tax.

I am keen to ensure the Welsh Government and local authorities are doing everything we can to support care leavers and enable their successful transition into adulthood and independent living. This measure will remove the risk of care leavers being liable for the payment of council tax where another person (who is not exempt) fails to pay their council tax.

In our Programme for Government 2021-2026, the Welsh Government commits to seek to reform council tax to ensure a fairer system for all.  I have been considering a range of options, including looking at how we can make council tax fairer for vulnerable households.

This is an opportunity to make our council tax system fairer and I am keen to hear everyone’s views.

Subject to the outcome of the consultation, I aim to bring forward legislation to exempt care leavers from joint and several liability for council tax from 1 April 2022.

This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.