RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on the borough council’s proposed changes to its Council Tax Support scheme.

Test Valley Borough Council has launched a consultation survey regarding changes that aim to “streamline the scheme” and which will come into force in 2020.

The changes include simplifying the way the council takes into account non-dependant adults living at a property, such as grown up children, and reducing the level of savings that people can hold in order to be eligible for the scheme.

The council’s overview and scrutiny committee reviewed the scheme and last week cabinet agreed their recommended changes for consultation.

Pensioners are not affected by any of the changes as they come under a national scheme set by government.

Finance portfolio holder, Councillor Maureen Flood, said: “We are adamant that we will continue to protect our most vulnerable residents from any changes.

“We aim to streamline the scheme to make it easier for residents to apply and more efficient for the council to administer.

“We made a number of significant changes to the scheme for 2019 and are keen to avoid a major overhaul for 2020.

“I would encourage everyone to have their say on the proposed changes.”

The survey will close at midday on November 13.

A full copy of the draft scheme for 2020/21 is also available on the council’s website at www.testvalley.gov.uk/CouncilTaxSupportScheme