CARE leavers in Carmarthenshire could soon be exempt from council tax payments until they reach the age of 25.

The council’s executive board has agreed the proposal, which will now go to full council for approval before being implemented.

It will currently affect over 80 young people who have left local authority care in Carmarthenshire.

Cllr Glynog Davies, executive board member for education and children’s services, proposed the motion to council in January in a move unanimously supported by all members.

A report by officers said the move would cost the authority around £6,000 a year.

Cllr David Jenkins, executive board member for resources, said: “The council seeks to support young people that have left its care in order that they may live independently as adults.

“Providing council tax discretionary discounts which waives any council tax liability faced by care leavers and therefore ensures the care leaver does not face potential council tax debt.”

Speaking at this week’s executive board, Cllr Glynog Davies said: “As councillors we are corporate parents. That care should continue after the young people have left our care.

“Going out into the real world can be a struggle - many care leavers struggle to manage, so this exemption will be of great assistance to them.

“Our own children often boomerang home and want help and advice at times.

"We should show the same compassion to care leavers, even if it’s a telephone call every now and again to see how they are getting on.”