PROPOSED changes to Dudley's council tax reduction scheme could see young people leaving the care system given extra help with paying their council tax.

Dudley Council is asking people what they think about the proposal to introduce a new 'vulnerable category' for care leavers aged 18 to 24 for its council tax reduction scheme.

The means-tested reduction would mean some care leavers under the age of 25 would have their council tax reduced, with some potentially paying nothing.

Councillor Steve Clark, Dudley's 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.”

A consultation is running until next month on the council tax reduction scheme which reduces the amount of council tax that low income households have to pay the local authority.

As part of the questionnaire, which runs until October 15, residents are also being asked if they are in favour of increasing the minimum amount people in low-income homes should pay towards their council tax bill.

That figure is currently set at 22 per cent. Under the new proposal it would rise to 23 per cent – an increase of 18p per week for a band B property.

People can take part in the consultation online by clicking here.

Paper copies of the questionnaire are also available at Dudley Council Plus and borough libraries.