RESIDENTS across the borough have voted to give young people leaving the care system in Dudley extra help with paying their council tax.

Dudley Council asked residents whether they were in favour of introducing a new ‘vulnerable category’ for care leavers aged 18 to 24 to its council tax reduction scheme which could mean some care leavers under 25 would have their council tax reduced or they may potentially pay nothing.

Residents were also asked if they favoured a rise being applied to the minimum amount people in low-income homes should pay towards their council tax bill. The figure is currently 22 per cent but under the new proposal it would rise to 23 per cent – an increase of 18p per week for a band B property.

And following the consultation, the authority has revealed 56 per cent of borough residents who took part agree or strongly agree with both proposals – which will now go forward to cabinet next Thursday (October 26).

Councillor Steve Clark, Dudley’s cabinet member for finance, said: “These proposals could really benefit young people on low incomes who are leaving care.

“This change would allow us to reduce, or in some cases remove the need for them to pay council tax, giving them a helping hand as they make the move from care to independence.”

The council announced last night that it plans to put basic council tax up by 2.99 per cent – with the option for people to pay extra to give adult social care services a boost.

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