CHANGES to council tax benefits and discounts will be discussed by East Hampshire District Council.

Councillors will debate proposals which could see some residents pay more council tax.

The Government will reduce the amount of money it makes available for paying council tax benefits and it has asked all councils to come up with their own system - to be called the council tax support scheme.

Councillor Julie Butler said: "The Government's changes to the council tax benefit scheme has left East Hampshire with a considerable sum of money to make up. It has been our task to find a new scheme that will bridge that gap and encourage more people into work, while also protect the most vulnerable people in society.

"We have worked hard to present three options to the council which we hope will achieve these aims."

Councillors must agree the new system by the end of January.

The district council's proposal could see discounts for second homes and empty properties reduced or removed, or working-age benefits' recipients asked to pay more.