Tendring District Council (TDC) has reconfirmed its commitment to supporting low-income households, including those receiving Pension Credit, with their council tax bills.

Councillors have approved the continuation of the same scheme as last year, designed to help those who would otherwise struggle to pay their council tax bill

The Local Council Tax Support Scheme and Exceptional Hardship Fund assist a total of 11,772 households in the district.

The council has also reconfirmed its earlier decision to introduce a 100 per cent council tax premium for second homes in the district.

This measure, introduced through new legislation last year, will be implemented in the 2025/26 financial year.

Mark Stephenson, TDC Leader, highlighted the positive impact of the measures on the community.

“Continuing our support scheme provides much-needed stability for residents who rely on it,” Councillor Stephenson said.

“We understand the ongoing challenges posed by welfare reforms and the cost of living, which is why we are keeping the scheme unchanged.

“The premium on second and empty homes will encourage property owners to make these homes available for families and households, helping to address the housing shortage in our area.

“This initiative is not about increasing the council’s income but ensuring more homes are occupied in the long term.”

The support schemes and the re-confirmation of the second and empty homes premiums were approved by the full council at its meeting on Tuesday, 26 November.

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