Residents in County Durham who receive support to help them pay their council tax will continue to be protected for a further year.
Durham County Council’s Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme was introduced in April 2013 following the abolition of the national council tax benefit system.
The scheme was introduced to help those affected by the changes and Durham County Council is one of only two authorities in the North East to maintain support at the same level as it was before councils were asked to introduce their own schemes.
At a meeting yesterday (Oct 29) members of Durham County Council agreed to extend the same level of support to cover 2015/16, meaning around 34,000 working age households – 10,000 of which are people in low-paid employment – will not face increased council tax bills.
Cllr Alan Napier, deputy leader and Cabinet member for finance at Durham County Council, said: “We believe that the continued support given to these vulnerable households is essential as they cope with the impacts of the Government’s welfare reform agenda.
“This decision means that those people who are struggling will not face the added burden of additional council tax payments.”