DUDLEY Council is asking members of the public to have their say on whether its council tax reduction scheme should be cut further to help save the authority cash.

The council has launched a consultation on whether the cut in the council tax reduction that was approved this year should be increased by one per cent.

In the 2017/2018 budget – councillors voted to increase the minimum amount payable towards council tax from 20 to 22 per cent, for everyone except pensioners, as part of a raft of cost-saving measures to help the authority balance its books.

But still struggling for cash – the authority, which faces a continued battle against cuts in funding from central government, is now considering increasing the cut in the council tax reduction scheme by a further one per cent which would mean certain residents on low incomes, who are entitled to pay a reduced rate of council tax, would have to pay a minimum of 23 per cent towards it.

A report to Dudley Council’s cabinet committee states: “In 2017/18 it is estimated that £18.7m in council tax reductions will be granted under our current scheme for low income families.

“It is estimated that the proposals here would make a small net contribution to other budget pressures.”

The proposal could increase the council’s income by up to around £100,000 once amounts paid to police and fire and allowances for collection losses are factored in, the report adds.

To have your say click here.

Councillors, who gave the thumbs up at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting to putting the matter out to consultation, are also considering introducing measures to protect care leavers aged 18 to 24 which could see them having their council tax bill reduced to zero until they reach 25.