Dorset Council has opened consulation for proposed changes to the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for working age people.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the process by taking an online survey via the council's website and have their say on the proposed changes.

The council is looking at changes that will make it easier for residents to understand and access the scheme as well as work better with the Universal Credit system, support families and applicants who receive disability benefit, provide up to 100 per cent support for those on the lowest income and take away the need for constant changes in awards. 

Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council said: “The Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme helps to support residents most in need with their council tax bill, and these proposed changes help us to target the support in a clear and easy to understand way.

“The existing scheme is largely based on the previous Council Tax Benefit system that was in place before the introduction of Council Tax Reduction in 2013 so it’s time to replace this with a new scheme which works in line with other existing benefit systems such as Universal Credit.

“The proposed new scheme will allow us to give those most in need of support a reduction of up to 100 per cent of their council tax bill, an increase from 90 per cent under current arrangements.

“I encourage residents to have their say and all feedback on our proposals will be appreciated.”

The requirments for reductions will also change to an income based matrix, taking income into account and many dependents they have - replacing the current means tested system.

The proposals do exclude some benefits from income calculations in order to protect applicants who need support whilst receiving other benefits.

Another change to the threshold of eligibility will see applicants with up to £6000 in savings to be eligible, a significant reduction in the capital threshold which is currently £16000.

Other proposals to the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme include restricting the reductions to a Band E level meaning applicants in Bands F, G and H will have their entitlement calculated at Band E.

For more information and to take part in the survey you can go to the council's website here.

Other forms are consultation are available and residents are advised to contact benefits@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk