Islanders are being encouraged to voice their opinions on proposed changes to the Isle of Wight Local Council Tax Support Scheme.

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing, a new consultation has opened to consider alterations to this vital system that almost 10,000 people get help through.

The proposed scheme is set to start from April 2025, featuring changes that align more closely to broader national developments, which includes the move to Universal Credit.

Changes are also suggested to the current method of assessing childcare costs to ensure fairness for Universal Credit claimants and creating one earnings disregard rather than two, which would benefit both full-time and part-time earners.

The proposed alterations will not affect pensioners but can impact working-age recipients and council service users.

The consultation is open to all Islanders and will help with the decision-making process for council tax and the council budget next year.

The closing date for the online consultation, accessible via https://forms.office.com/e/GNLR9Qeb4f, is Monday, September 23, 2024.

Paper copies are available from August 12 at council offices and libraries.

They can also be requested by calling 01983 823950.

An easy-read version is also available for anyone who needs it.