NORTHUMBERLAND County Council’s council tax support scheme has been approved by councillors.

The scheme pays a portion of council tax bills for working-age residents who struggle financially.  

The topic has traditionally been the subject of heated debate between the Conservative administration and Labour opposition ever since the top level of support was reduced from 100 per cent to 92 per cent five years ago.

Leading Tories were prepared for another bruising clash – but in a surprise move, Labour agreed to back the plan.

Northumberland Labour leader Councillor Scott Dickinson said the scheme was “better than nothing” and acknowledged that the party had “failed to change minds”.

He was also reassured by assurances that hardship payments would be made available to anyone struggling to pay their bills.

Speaking at a full council meeting on Wednesday (January 17), deputy leader of the council Cllr Richard Wearmouth said: “We always have a lively debate on this. We wish to help those who need our help the most.

“There is no surprise – what we have put forward is the same as we have had for the last few years, with a maximum level of support of 92 per cent and a minimum of 8 per cent. In financial terms, it comes to £26.7 million so it is a significant sum of money we spent every year to make sure we support those residents.

“We will be able to provide some additional support for those who request additional hardship support.”

Cllr Dickinson replied: “I’m sure you have spent lots of time preparing for this battle, but we are at the point where we have failed to change minds, but we would rather have something than nothing.

“We will support this today on the basis that it is better than nothing.”

The scheme is the third-most generous scheme in the North East, behind Durham and Newcastle which both offer support up to 100 per cent of council tax bills.