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 today’s Full Council meeting, it was agreed that the scheme would continue unchanged for another year.
Cllr Richard Bell, the council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member for finance, said: “We understand that our residents are feeling huge pressure on their household budgets but we are determined to do what we can to protect those who are most vulnerable.
“We are the only council in the region to have retained entitlement for this support at the levels they were at when councils first introduced discount schemes 10 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 about the council tax discount scheme can be found on the council’s website at durham.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction