Young people who have been in care could be exempt from council tax under new plans in North Ayrshire.

The motion was voted for unanimously by the council, which aims to be local authority in Scotland to make the move.

It has called on the Scottish Government to give it the delegated powers to do so.

This follows a number of steps already taken to support care experienced young people including guaranteed modern apprenticeship places and a new mentoring programme.

Council leader and finance portfolio holder Joe Cullinane said: "One of the most important roles that councillors hold is as a corporate parent to our young people in care.

"This is a group of young people with talent, skills and ambitions just like their peers. However, we know of the many challenges they face in being able to fulfil their potential.

"Our Labour administration have taken steps to put care experienced young people at the heart of what we do but we can go further. "

He added: "There are significant financial pressures on young people leaving care including council tax and one way we could help financially would be to exempt them from that."