There’s still time for people to have their say on plans which could see young people leaving the care system in Dudley get extra help with paying their council tax.

Dudley Council launched the consultation on potential changes to its council tax reduction (CTR) scheme in the summer. CTR reduces the amount of council tax that low income households have to pay to the local authority.

The consultation asks if people are in favour of introducing a new ‘vulnerable category’ for care leavers aged 18 to 24 to its CTR scheme. The means-tested reduction would result in some care leavers under the age of 25 having their council tax reduced, with some potentially paying nothing.

Residents will also be asked if they are in favour of an increase in the minimum amount those in low-income homes should pay towards their council tax bill. That figure is currently set at 22 per cent and the proposals, if accepted, would see that rise to 23 per cent – an increase of 18p per week for a band B property. Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance, said:

“These proposals could really benefit young people on low incomes who are leaving care. Reducing, or even removing in some cases, their council tax will give them a helping hand as they make the move from care to independence.

“This new category in our council tax reduction scheme will enable us to support young people until they're 25 as they start out life as young adults.”

People can take part in the council tax reduction scheme consultation online. Paper copies are available at Dudley Council Plus and borough libraries. The consultation runs until 15 October.