There will be changes to the council tax reduction scheme from next spring.

Dorset Council members have voted to implement an updated council tax reduction scheme from April 1, 2024.

The scheme is open to people of working age and offers support for low-income households with paying council tax.

It was originally introduced in 2013 replacing the former council tax benefit scheme.

The changes to the scheme aim to make it easier for residents to understand, access and work better with the Universal Credit system and removes the need for constant changes to awards, making it easier to manage.

It will follow a more unified, simple income grid that takes into account a resident’s income and how many dependants they have. This replaces the current means tested system.

The scheme excludes some benefits from the calculation of income, protecting applicants who need support whilst receiving other benefits.

It will also include an increase to the current maximum amount that could be claimed from 90 per cent, up to 100 per cent for those who are eligible.

The reductions will be restricted to a council tax band E level, meaning that any applicants who live in a band F, G or H property will have their entitlement calculated at a Band E level.

Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset Council portfolio holder for finance, commercial and capital strategy, said: “The local council tax reduction scheme helps to support residents most in need with their council tax bill, and these 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 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.”