An eight-week consultation began this week into South Hams Council's proposals to change the rules on how much council tax support is given to residents on the lowest incomes.

The council introduced its own tax reduction scheme to replace Council Tax Benefit which was abolished in April 2013.

The Government says councils must design their own council tax reduction scheme each year for working age residents but with reduced funding.

Pensioners have been protected so are unaffected by the changes

Last year, the council decided on a one year solution to fund the difference between the old benefit system and the new Council Tax Reduction scheme for 2013/14.

This meant that those entitled to a reduction in council tax were given the same level of help as the previous Council Tax Benefit system.

The council's decision also allowed those residents affected to adjust to other benefit changes which were being introduced as part of the Government's welfare reforms. The council is now proposing a series of options to change it from April 2014.

Cllr John Tucker, Leader of South Hams Council, said: 'We need to start reviewing the reduction scheme for next year, which, in light of the cuts to the council's overall budget, will inevitably mean making some tough decisions.

'There are four options for change before us.

'We need residents to give us their views on what options we should choose and help shape the reduction scheme to ensure it is fair to all. It may be a number of these options are chosen but we need to know what residents think."

 The options are that:

All working age households who receive a Council Tax Reduction would pay up to a 25 per cent minimum council tax charge.

Those receiving a Council Tax Reduction and living in a property of Band E or above will have their entitlement reduced to the same level as a Band D property.

No reduction for households with more than £6,000 savings.

The Council provides a fund to help those in extreme difficulties.

Full details and examples of the likely impact of these options can be found at http://www.southhams.gov.uk/ctreduction">www.southhams.gov.uk/ctreduction.

To take part in the consultation which ends on October 7 you can complete a survey at http://www.southhams.gov.uk/ctreduction">www.southhams.gov.uk/ctreduction.

Alternatively call the Council on 01803 861234 for a printed copy.

You can also visit one of the South Hams Connect outreach events .

They are being held at:

Dartmouth, Sainsbury's August 21 and September 18, 10.30am - 1pm,

Kingsbridge Library, August 30, 10.30am - 12.30pm

Salcombe Library, Sept-ember 25 10am – noon.

Stoke Fleming Library, September 17, 10.30am - 12.30pm.