A SCHEME which offers a reduction in council tax to residents on a low income has been extended for another year by Thurrock Council.

Under the Local Council Tax Scheme (LCTS) working age claimants of a low income could have their bill reduced by up to 75 per cent. The local scheme helps ensure work pays by disregarding the first £25 of earned income before assessing entitlement.

Other income elements that are also disregarded include Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments and any war pension received for disablement or bereavement. People of pension age are also able to apply for support however this scheme is detailed by the government.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Shane Hebb, said: "This is an excellent scheme which provides those with the greatest need the help they need with council tax and helps ensure that low earning residents and families do not find themselves spiralling into household debt; a cause very dear to me.

"Many of us remember, and a number of us know, how household debts can lead to increasing credit card bills – if this council can help certain low-income families, it will"

"The scheme is administered and financially allocated entirely by Thurrock Council and I am delighted that it has been extended for another year. It makes a real difference and may help to prevent people on low incomes getting into financial difficulty."