YOUNG people who were previously in care in Inverclyde will not have to pay council tax from next month.

As of April anyone who was looked after by the local authority and is aged at least 18 but under 26 will be exempt from paying.

If a young person shares a home with another person, they will still be entitled to a 25 per cent single person’s council tax discount.

The council agreed to fund the initiative as part of the 2018/19 budget.

Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “Council tax bills are due to be sent out shortly and I would ask anyone who thinks they may be eligible to get in touch and let us know. 

“Care leavers face many barriers as they grow into adulthood and all-too-often homelessness and poverty can hold them back in life.

“This is one measure that should ease any financial pressures they face.”

Inverclyde became the first local authority in Scotland to sign up to the Scottish Care Leavers Covenant in 2015, promising increased support for young people brought up in care.

A variety of support is now offered by the council, including help finding suitable housing, finance for essential furnishings and household goods and assistance with benefit applications.

Cllr McCabe added: “The move from care to living independently can be problematic, so like any other parent we have a duty and a responsibility to help these young people achieve their full potential.

“This is another positive step in meeting the needs of our care leavers and offering them the support we would want for our own children.”

Anyone who believes they are entitled to a Care Leaver’s council tax exemption is asked to call 715020.