Councillors have agreed to extend a council tax reduction scheme which supports County Durham’s most vulnerable residents.
Durham County Council’s Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme offers a council tax discount to eligible residents on low incomes, whether in work, unemployed or retired.
Just over 53,800 residents are currently benefitting from the scheme, with more than 41,000 receiving the maximum 100 per cent discount, meaning they pay no council tax.
At a recent Full Council meeting it was agreed that the scheme would continue unchanged for another year.
Cllr Richard Bell, deputy leader and Cabinet member for finance, said: “We understand residents are feeling huge pressure on their household budgets and are determined to do what we can to protect the most vulnerable.
“We are the only council in the region to have retained entitlement for this support at the levels they were at when first introduced ten years ago and this highlights our commitment to support those in need.
“We would also encourage households who are struggling to seek help and find out what support is available.”
Further details can be found on the council’s website at durham.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
