Council Tax Reduction Scheme gives boost to most vulnerable

As money gets tight approaching Christmas, local MP Tim Farron has thanked the District Council for choosing to continue a scheme which will give a boost to those facing the greatest hardship.

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme offers up to 100% council tax reduction for residents on benefits or low incomes. Last year, 5208 households benefited from the scheme, with over half of them being pensioners.

The combined reductions were worth £4.9 million in 2016/17, meaning that it is worth an average of over £900 per household.

The reductions are funded by increasing the tax paid on empty properties.

Tim said: "This money will make a real difference to local residents, especially as Christmas approaches. My thanks go to the Lib Dem-run District Council for choosing to continue this scheme and help those in our communities who are struggling to make ends meet. The council is not legally bound to do this, but has chosen to help the most vulnerable."