THOUSANDS of people in Wychavon on council tax support will now have to pay a minimum of 20 percent of the council tax bill.

Letters are going out this week to more than 3,000 working age residents on the support who will pay at least 20 percent of their bill.

The reason for the change, part of wider welfare reforms, means councils now get less money from government to pay for council tax support, forcing councils to make changes.

Last year Wychavon ran a consultation to get views on a range of possible changes to the scheme. The changes made are based on responses to the consultation.

Residents who get a letter don’t have to do anything yet, but will need to arrange to make payments when they get their council tax bill in March.

Wychavon are offering some help to residents by offering flexible payment options over 12 months instead of the usual 10 month period. There will also be a hardship fund for those who find themselves in extremely short term hardship, details of how to apply will come with the bill.