POOLE'S lowest paid residents are again facing the prospect of paying more council tax as the borough seeks to protect essential services.

Borough of Poole is again seeking views on proposed changes to council tax support from next year, which could see thousands of means-tested residents faced with higher bills.

A council tax support scheme implemented in 2013 saw some working-age residents only able to claim council tax support on 91.5 per cent of their total bill. This was reduced to 86 per cent for 2015/16 and is likely to go down again.

Funding for council tax support has been cut further and the council says it is difficult to continue to provide the same level of support without affecting other essential services.

Certain groups will continue to be protected including pensioners on a national scheme, and those entitled to a single person's discount. Vulnerable groups including those receiving war pensions, disability or carers premiums will also be protected. And if a person is suffering exceptional financial difficulties, the council may be able to provide assistance on a case by case basis.

"The Government ended Council Tax Benefit in 2013, and all councils, including Poole, have had to develop their own Council Tax Support schemes to replace it," said Cllr May Haines, deputy council leader.

"To date we have been able to maintain a certain level of support, but with continued austerity we are now faced with the difficult decision of putting forward changes that may further reduce the amount of support available for some people.

“This is a consultation exercise and no decisions will be made until the process is complete and results have been analysed. We recognise that the support we provide is important for many residents, and any decision to reduce it will not be taken lightly."

Residents will also be consulted on two further changes as a result of the summer budget. The withdrawal of Family Premium for new working age claims and backdating limited to a maximum of four weeks are also proposed to come into effect from April 2016.

Consultation closes on October 26 and any changes to the council support scheme for 2016/17 will come into force next April. For more information go to poole.gov.uk/counciltaxsupport. Residents can give their views at poole.gov.uk/CTSC2015.