Care leavers Council Tax discount

If you spent time in care as a child, for example in foster care, you may be eligible for a discount on your Council Tax bill.

The council supports young people leaving its care by offering a 100% discount on the amount of Council Tax they pay, until the day before the charge payer’s 25th birthday. 

The discount is applied after any national discounts and or exemptions have been applied. For example, if you are entitled to 25% single occupier discount you will get that first and the remaining 75% would be covered by the care leaver discount.

Who is a care leaver

A care leaver is defined as any adult who spent time in care as a child (under the age of 18). Such care could be in foster care, residential care (mainly children’s homes), or other arrangements outside the immediate or extended family.

A discount is available from any period from 1st April 2018 where the care leaver is liable for Council Tax.

Where the care leaver resides at a property of multiple occupation (HMO) the discount does not apply and the Landlord will be liable to pay the Council Tax.

Apply for the care leavers' discount

To apply, please email dhp2@croydon.gov.uk

If you were in care in Croydon but placed by a different local authority, please send:

  • evidence from the local authority confirming that you were a former looked after child  
  • a copy of your current tenancy agreement

For care agencies requesting further information, please also send your enquiries to dhp2@croydon.gov.uk.