People on low incomes in County Durham will lose their council tax exemption under new changes approved by the local authority.

Durham County Council agreed to change its discount scheme at a meeting on Wednesday (December 10), meaning most residents will have to pay at least 10 per cent of their council tax bills.

The proposed changes will ensure all residents contribute to the cost of services provided by the council.

Council leaders said the move to a banded scheme was “increasingly necessary” due to funding pressures.

Councillor Nicola Lyons, Reform cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, said: “The current style of the scheme and the speed of migration to Universal Credit have resulted in complexities for residents. Utilising the scheme and administration has become u

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