Exeter City and Teignbridge District Council have signed up to a package of financial help for young people leaving the care system who don’t have the backing of ‘The Bank of Mum and Dad.’
A number of councils have already voted to offer council tax discounts and other benefits, and Teignbridge District Council and Exeter City Council have now joined them.
Teignbridge’s full council unanimously rubber-stamped a decision already taken by its executive to offer a council tax discount, free membership to leisure centres and work experience opportunities.
Deputy leader Richard Keeling (Lib Dem, Chudleigh) said: “I am pleased that in this cost-conscious environment we can offer support for care leavers. By doing this, we can help them manage the transition to adulthood as many parents do.”
Conservative group leader Phil Bullivant (Bradley) added: “Anything we can do to help is desirable. These people have been through trauma, and they have challenges to face.”
Exeter City Council is still consulting on a similar plan, and is likely to bring it in early in 2024.
Cllr Rob Hannaford (Lab, St Thomas) told a full council meeting: “These are young people who do not have the Bank of Mum and Dad to help them. We are being good corporate parents.” Exeter’s vote was also unanimous.
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