Your home
Leicestershire County Council exempts care leavers from council tax wherever you live in the country - for more information, please speak to your Personal Advisor or call our duty team on 0116 305 3051 or email careleaversuascduty@leics.gov.uk.
When you’re ready to move into your own home, your social worker and your personal advisor will help with any decisions you need to make.
In addition:
- If you’re in foster care, you can stay with your foster carer up to the age of 21, if this is what you and your foster care want.
- We have a joint protocol with all 7 districts within Leicestershire, and as a care leaver you will be entitled to a local connection in any area you chose to live. You will be given a priority status on the waiting list for housing if you apply within Leicestershire.
- We will pay your first months rent and deposit, for your first home in a private rented property. Or the first 4 weeks rent in social housing.
- You can get a Leaving Care Grant of up to £3,000 to furnish your first home and to cover your first TV license and contents insurance. This grant is available until your 25th birthday if you haven’t moved into your own home before then.
- The Bridge is a local housing charity who can offer advice and advocacy if you have a problem with your house or tenancy.
- If you have issues with your home or tenancy, we have a homelessness prevention officer who will support you with housing and homelessness related issues.