THOUSANDS of low-income households across Herefordshire could face higher council tax bills under proposals being considered by the county council.

Herefordshire Council is consulting on changes to its Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which currently provides eligible working-age residents with discounts of up to 100 per cent.

The authority is considering reducing the maximum support available to either 80 per cent or 50 per cent from April 2027, potentially leaving some households paying significantly more.

Under the proposals, residents receiving maximum support would have to contribute at least 20 per cent or 50 per cent towards their council tax bills, depending on which option was adopted.

The council estimates that reducing support to 80 per cent could generate an additional £2.3 million annually, rising to £5.1 million if support fell to 50 per cent.

For residents living in Band A properties, the changes could mean paying an additional £5.44 to £13.25 each week.

Other proposals include restricting reductions for properties in Band D or above to Band C levels and increasing deductions where other adults live in the household.

The council said the changes were being considered as it faced increasing financial pressures, including rising demand for children's services, adult social care and temporary accommodation.

It also cited reductions in central government funding following changes to how money is distributed between local authorities.

The existing scheme costs approximately £16.4 million annually and supports more than 6,500 working-age residents alongside 4,700 pensioners.

Pension-age households would not be affected by the proposed changes.

Residents have until November 4 to respond to the consultation, with councillors expected to consider the feedback before finalising next year's budget.

Any approved changes would take effect from April 1, 2027, following the council's budget-setting process in February.