A NEW council tax reduction scheme is to be introduced in West Devon next year following an eight-week consultation with residents.

As part of the Government's welfare reforms, councils must design their own council tax reduction scheme for working-age people who are not working or are on a low income.

Reduced funding means that in order to avoid any impact on other council tax payers or services, all claimants will have to make some contribution.

Some residents will be paying something towards their council tax for the first time. 

West Devon Borough councillors last week unanimously agreed to go ahead with a scheme from April 2014, which will affect all working age residents who need help with their council tax.

The council has agreed to fund up to 80 percent of the cost of council tax for more than 1,900 households on the lowest incomes.

Working age claimants will have to pay a minimum of 20% — around £280 for the average household.

A hardship fund for those experiencing severe financial difficulties will be available.

The council also decided not to lower the savings threshold so residents with up to £16,000 in savings can still get help from the scheme.

Pensioners have been protected so are unaffected by these changes.

Cllr Philip Sanders, leader of the borough council, said: 'Last year, unlike many other councils, we were able to give residents on low incomes some breathing space while they got used to other benefits changes.

'We made it clear at the time that this was a one-off measure and we decided to ask for residents' views once again as we designed the new scheme.

'We have listened to what people have said about the savings threshold and the need for a fund to support those in very severe hardship.

'All this has been achieved within existing budgets so other residents will not be asked to pay more to fund the new scheme.'

In line with many other councils, the new scheme will also be restricted to a maximum value which is equal to Property Band 'D' level.

This means residents living in larger homes will only get the same level of reduction as those living in an average-size property.

To find out more about the new council tax support scheme visit http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk or call 01822 813600.