PEOPLE living across the Chichester District are being encouraged to have their say on changes to council tax discounts and to the reduction scheme, which provides financial support to households on low incomes.

Chichester District Council is considering changes to reduce the cost of the council tax reduction scheme.

These changes would reduce the amount some people are entitled to.

In addition, it is looking at changing the council tax discount for properties that are vacant where major repair works are required, underway or recently completed.

The council tax reduction scheme helps people on low incomes to pay their council tax.

It replaced the council tax benefit in 2013. Each council is responsible for the way their scheme works.

Every year the council has to review the scheme and consider how best it can allocate the funding.

It also periodically reviews the discounts given to some council tax payers.

Residents are asked to take part in the public consultation which runs until Sunday September 18.

Philippa Hardwick, member for finance at Chichester District Council, said: “We want to hear everyone’s views - including those not receiving the reduction.

“We are considering some changes to the current schemes, although they will not affect many residents but we need to know if we’ve got it right or whether there are areas that we need to look at again.”

More information about the scheme and a link to the online survey can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk/consultations. A paper copy can be requested by calling (01243) 534623 or emailing [email protected].