LOCAL councils say they will consult on changes that could affect the vulnerable and people on low incomes as an important benefit is being abolished which is used to help people pay their council tax bills.

District and borough councils, which administer and pay out council tax benefit, have been told they will receive around 10-15 per cent less funding towards it.

The benefit is claimed by people on low incomes such as jobseekers.

Councils across the country have to create "local reduction schemes" for their area.

New government rules mean that from April 1 next year, council tax benefit will be abolished and replaced by local support to help people to pay their council tax bill.

For the full story see this week's Herald