Two more councils agree plan to help care leavers

Two more Devon councils have agreed to give financial support to young people leaving the care system.

Teignbridge District Council agreed to give care leavers a council tax discount, leisure centre membership and work experience opportunities until they are 25, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Exeter City Council gave its in-principle support to a similar plan subject to a report on the financial impact.

It follows North Devon District Council's decision to scrap council tax for young care leavers.

Councillor Richard Keeling, Teignbridge's deputy leader, said the plan would help care leavers "manage the transition to adulthood".

Councillor Rob Hannaford, who represents St Thomas in Exeter, said the move was about being "good corporate parents".

He said: “These are young people who do not have the bank of mum and dad to help them."