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At present, care leavers aged 18 to 21 receive a full council tax exemption, with those aged 22 and 23 paying a quarter, and those aged 24 and 25 paying half. At the Full Council meeting held on Tuesday (21 February), councillors agreed to extend a 100 per cent council tax discount to care leavers up to the age of 25 from 1 April 2023.
In addition, the council has used funding from its successful bid to the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to recruit a dedicated Employment, Education and Training (EET) Coach, bolstering support available to care leavers aged 16 to 25. The council aims to support over 100 care leavers over the next two years.
The coach will work closely with young people to find out what they want to achieve and identify their strengths and talents. The council’s economy team will work alongside the coach help develop strong links with partner organisations, including Job Centre Plus, training providers and local businesses. As a result, the young people will be offered tailored support and opportunities that are matched to them individually.
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “The council takes its responsibility to act as a corporate parent for our children and young people incredibly seriously. As corporate parents we work hard to deliver new ways to make sure care leavers feel cared for, not just looked after. I’m pleased to see these two new initiatives being implemented and I hope that they will give a real boost to our young people.”
Beth Swann, North Somerset Council’s Young Director said: "We recognise that not everyone will want to do a university degree or an apprenticeship. The most important thing is finding what works best for you and the addition of a new Employment, Education and Training Officer will empower and boost the confidence of our young people."
Details of how to book an appointment with the EET Coach for Care Leavers will be announced on the council’s social media accounts when available.
The council would love to hear from local businesses interested in supporting North Somerset’s young care leavers by offering employment, education and training opportunities. To learn more about this project and to register an interest, email business@n-somerset.gov.uk.
For more information about the UKSPF programme in North Somerset, visit https://innorthsomerset.co.uk/ukspf.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund replaces the EU Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).