Summary
Durham County Council is considering changes to its Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) to save money, which may require the poorest residents to pay more on their council tax bills. The council plans to consult on four options, including keeping the current scheme with full discounts or requiring residents to pay at least 10% to 25% of their bill.
Key Facts
- Durham County Council might change its council tax discount system to save money.
- The current scheme allows low-income earners to get up to 100% off their council tax bills.
- Proposed changes include requiring people to pay at least 10%, 20%, or 25% of their bills.
- The council aims to save between £3.8 million and £10.35 million each year with these changes.
- Currently, the council tax system costs over £60 million annually.
- Each Universal Credit claimant received an average of 11 council tax bills last year, costing the council £175,000 in printing and postage.
- Pension-age households would not be affected by the proposed changes.
- Public consultation on these options would occur from July 16 to September 23 if approved by the council's cabinet.
