The minimum council tax charge is to be scrapped in the new year, a council has confirmed.

Those on the lowest incomes will no longer have to pay the tax after changes made to the system in April, 2023.

The change will mean that residents that those paying the minimum charge of £5 per week will now be exempt from paying.

Councillor Emma Taylor, Worthing cabinet member for Citizen Services, said: “We want to do all we can to help the least financially resilient, so we were keen to see the end of the £5 minimum charge.

“It is great to know the majority of residents agree with scrapping this for those who are really struggling with the rocketing cost of living. A saving of £20 per month will offer a small amount of relief to the hardship faced by more than 3,000 households.”

The changes made by Worthing Borough Council come after the majority of people consulted in the area felt that the rules for those on the lowest income should be the same as the rules for pensioners, who are already exempt.

Changes will also be made which will make it easier for those applying for Universal Credit to claim council tax support.