Council tax support in Northumberland will be cut

Cuts to council tax support in Northumberland were given the final nod this week as the cost-saving measure was put to a vote by all county councillors.

From April, all households in the county will have to pay a minimum of 8% of their council tax bill, following approval for changes to save £1m a year.

At Northumberland County Council's full meeting this week, members agreed a reduction in the level of council tax support for working-age claimants to 92%. The current scheme provides up to 100%, meaning that some households pay no council tax.

To a typical band A property, the change will mean a council tax bill of £98.55 per year for a couple/family or £73.91 for a single person.

The much-discussed proposal, which has attracted some fervent criticism but was supported by a majority of respondents during a six-week consultation, was passed by 31 votes to 26.

There were six abstentions - the Lib Dems and the Bedlington Independents - who could have swayed the vote the other way.