Doncaster Council Tax Care Leaver Discount

What the Care Leaver Discount Is

The City of Doncaster Council offers a 100% council tax discount to qualifying care leavers. It is a discretionary policy operated under Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 — the same section that covers hardship relief — but it functions as a standing discount rather than an emergency measure.

If you qualify, your council tax bill is reduced by 100%. This is separate from the means-tested Council Tax Reduction scheme. The care-leaver policy lists age, corporate parent, and Council Tax liability in Doncaster as its qualifying criteria.

Who Qualifies

Three conditions must all be met:

1. You are under 25 years old. The discount applies from the date you become liable for council tax until the day before your 25th birthday.
2. The City of Doncaster Council was your corporate parent. This means you were looked after by Doncaster Council's children's services before you left care. Care leavers who were looked after by a different local authority do not qualify under Doncaster's policy — you would need to check with your home authority.
3. You live in the Doncaster billing district. You must be the council tax payer (or joint payer) at a property within the City of Doncaster Council area.

The discount does not require you to prove low income, pass a means test, or be on benefits. A care leaver working full-time still qualifies as long as they meet the three conditions above.

Joint Tenancies and Shared Households

If you are jointly liable for Council Tax with someone who is not a care leaver, the council says the 100% reduction still applies.

How to Apply

Apply online using the council's Care Leaver's reduction form. For help, contact the Council Tax department on 01302 734454 or visit the Civic Office at Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU. The council may check your care history with Children's Services; ask what evidence is needed for your application.

When the Discount Ends

The discount ends when you reach 25. After that, you are liable for council tax under the normal rules and may need to apply for Council Tax Reduction if you are on a low income. Your bill may change, so check it and apply for any other support you qualify for.

Plan ahead. If your 25th birthday is approaching and you are on a low income or receiving Universal Credit, submit your Council Tax Reduction application before the care leaver discount ends. Doncaster's Local Council Tax Reduction scheme allows awards up to 100% for eligible households, so you may still pay nothing — but the application and assessment take time.

Our Doncaster Council Tax Reduction guide covers the full means test, the documents you will need, and the calculation that determines your award once the care leaver discount expires.

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