Congleton residents on low incomes and those receiving benefits in Cheshire East could receive more help paying their council tax next year.

At present people in receipt of benefits such as jobseeker's allowance or income support get 75 per cent of their council tax paid under the council tax support scheme.

Cheshire East is looking to increase the maximum award to 100 per cent for those residents.

It is also planning to increase the maximum award for other groups in the lowest income bands to 80% from 75%.

And there is a proposal to increase the cap on the maximum award from Band B to Band D.

A decision is due to be made on Thursday when the corporate policy committee meets.

A report to the committee states: "Under the current scheme all working age customers must contribute a minimum of 25% towards their council tax liability but the level is capped to that of a Band B property in their area.

"The 4.99% increase in council tax for 2021/22 disproportionally affected those on lower income.

"The proposed changes to the council tax support scheme can ensure the most vulnerable are supported whilst recognising the financial challenges the council faces."

At present a single person with an income of less than £90.45 a week, for example, or a couple on less than £140.70 a week, can get a 75 per cent discount on their council tax.

At the top end, an individual with an income of between £165.84 and £190.95 or a couple with between £301.51 and £321.60 get a 15 per cent discount.

Families with children on low incomes are also eligible for support.

The existing scheme is capped and will only pay the proportion of support payable for a Band A or B property.

If the recommendations are approved on Thursday, then a single person with an income of less than £97 or a couple on less than £140 will get a maximum of 80 per cent discount on their council tax.

The corporate policy committee meeting takes place at the council's Westfields HQ at Sandbach at 10.30am on Thursday, December 2.

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