CABINET members have agreed to Monmouthshire becoming the latest council in Wales to exempt young people leaving care from paying council tax, writes local democracy reporter Saul Cooke-Black.

Councillors approved a recommendation to exempt all care leavers aged 18 to 25 in the county from paying council tax at a meeting on Wednesday, meaning the council will become the 10th in Wales to make the exemption.

The move will kick in this financial year, costing the authority £6,500 per year.

Torfaen council became the first in Wales to pass such a policy last year, although their policy applies until the age of 21.

Cllr Bob Greenland, deputy leader of Monmouthshire County Council, told the meeting: “For those who are leaving care they face a disadvantage to others who have had a family upbringing and anything we can do to help them in their first few years when they are reaching out on their own I think we should do.”

The number of children and young people in care in Monmouthshire has significantly increased in the last five years, with 137 reported as of February this year – up from 102 in 2013.

A council report showed that as of March 31, there were 68 care leavers aged between 18 and 25.

Cllr Penny Jones said the policy was "overdue."

“It’s something that puts us in line with other local authorities and it is overdue,” she said.

“I am really pleased we are doing this.”

Calls have been made for the Welsh Government to change council tax laws to exempt all care leavers across Wales from paying.

The Welsh Government has instead encouraged councils to adopt their own schemes.