Thousands of low-income households in County Durham could continue to receive help with their council tax bills under plans to extend the current support scheme for another year, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Durham County Council is proposing to extend the existing Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS) for working-age residents throughout 2027/28, keeping the maximum level of support at 90% of a claimant’s council tax liability.
The authority currently supports 54,100 residents through the scheme, including 33,500 working-age people and 20,600 pensioners.
The current arrangements were introduced in April 2026 following a review and public consultation.
Changes included the introduction of an income-banded model for working-age applicants and a reduction in the maximum level of support from 100% to 90%.
But rival politicians warned the tax rise would impact the county’s poorest residents.
All working-age claimants are now required to contribute at least 10% towards their council tax bill.
Yet it is still too early to fully assess the impact of the changes on both residents and the authority, the council said.
It added that further monitoring is needed to understand how the revised scheme affects collection rates, administrative efficiency and residents’ ability to pay, as well as any wider impact on deprivation.
Several neighbouring councils have moved in the opposite direction, with five local authorities across the region now offering support of up to 100% and many no longer taking non-dependant deductions into account when calculating entitlement.
Despite those changes elsewhere, Durham County Council said retaining the current scheme would provide continuity while allowing more time to evaluate its effectiveness.
The authority said the scheme would remain under “continuous monitoring and review” to assess its impact on both residents and council finances.
A report recommending the continuation of the current arrangements will be presented to full council later this year for approval.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
