Leading councillors have renewed their commitment to supporting low-income households with their council tax bills in Tendring.

Tendring District Council (TDC)’s Cabinet will recommend to the full council that the Local Council Tax Support Scheme and Exceptional Hardship Fund remain unchanged for 2026/27, continuing vital assistance for those who would otherwise struggle to pay.

Together, these schemes currently support more than 11,000 households across the district with their council tax bills.

In addition, the council will maintain the council tax premium on second homes and long-term empty properties.

This measure, introduced last year to encourage properties back into use as main residences, is already having an impact – with 138 fewer second homes in Tendring since April, helping to increase housing availability for local families.

Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of TDC, said: “As always, we are committed to supporting those in need while ensuring the council remains financially sustainable and transparent.

“Keeping the Local Council Tax Support Scheme unchanged provides stability for thousands of households who rely on it.

“The reduction in second homes shows that our approach is working to bring properties back into full-time use, which helps to address the housing shortage in our area.

“These decisions reflect our determination to balance fairness with responsibility.”

The proposals will go before the full council for decision on Tuesday, 25 November 2025.