SOME of the Island's most vulnerable residents could get a further helping hand paying their council tax bills next year.

Last year, the Isle of Wight Council's Alliance Administration last year promised to increase the amount of support given on the council tax support scheme (LCTS) to help with the rising cost of living.

In the current year, those in receipt of the LCTS get up to 65 per cent off their council tax bill.

But from April, they could get up to 70 per cent discounted — depending on whether the council can afford it or not.

When deciding whether to increase the support, officers say the council must have regard to the council's current financial pressures.

A council report has shown reducing the level of support has meant more claimants are struggling to pay their remaining level of council tax and debt among LCTS claimants has been increasing.

Overall, the debt of LCTS cases since 2013 now equates to more than £2 million with the council continuing collection.

If it is agreed to increase the scheme, it would cost the council another £359,821.

More than 270 people responded to the council's consultation on the LCTS and the majority agreed with increasing the support.

The exceptional hardship fund is also available to residents in receipt of the LCTS, who are in suffering hardship to receive extra assistance in paying their council tax.

Cabinet will be considering whether to increase the LCTS first, at its meeting on Thursday (November 10) before it heads to full council for the final decision.