YOUNG people leaving care in Inverclyde will soon be exempt council tax.

As of April, 18 to 26 year-olds will be able to register for the exclusion.

Inverclyde Council will fund the initiative as part of the 2018/19 budget.

Labour Council Leader Stephen McCabe said: “Care leavers face many barriers as they grow into adulthood and all-too-often homelessness and poverty can hold them back in life.

“This is one measure that should ease any financial pressures they face.”