CARE leavers who continue to live in Blackburn with Darwen are exempt from paying council tax to help them manage their budgets as they move into independent accommodation.

The Children's Society has been calling on councils to make young people leaving care exempt from paying council tax.

It believes the move will give people valuable time to learn how to manage their finances 'without the worry' of falling into council tax debt.

Now Blackburn with Darwen Council executive member for children's services, Cllr Maureen Bateson, confirmed the authority has adopted the measure, with care leavers exempt from paying until they turn 21.

Councils must continue to provide support until care leavers are 25