Support with council tax bills for those on low incomes in Tendring – including those who receive Pension Credit – has been set out.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is proposing to keep the same scheme as last year, designed to help those who would otherwise struggle to pay their council tax bill.

The proposed Local Council Tax Support Scheme and Exceptional Hardship Fund – which help around one-sixth of households in the district – were agreed by TDC’s Cabinet today (Friday, 15 November).

Cabinet also agreed to continue with a new 100 per cent council tax premium for second homes in the district; this was introduced through new legislation last year for implementation in the 2025/26 financial year.

Mark Stephenson, TDC Leader, said both the support schemes and premium were designed to benefit the district as a whole.

“Maintaining the same support scheme as in previous years provides stability for those residents who need it,” Councillor Stephenson said.

“We recognise the on-going impact on residents from welfare reforms and cost of living challenges, which is why we are keeping the scheme as it is.

“Meanwhile the premium on second homes – and those on empty homes – will encourage property owners to make their homes available for use as the main home for households and families, helping to tackle the shortfall of housing in the area; this is not intended to increase the amount of income the council gets, but rather in the long-term see more homes occupied.”

The support schemes and re-confirmation of second and empty homes premiums will go before full council for approval at its meeting later this month.