Brent Council will launch a new “fairer and simpler” council tax support scheme for working age residents to work alongside Universal Credit (UC).

The new scheme, which goes live on April 1, is based entirely on how much each household can pay.

Those who earn less than £80 a week – or are entirely reliant on state benefits – will receive a 100 per cent discount on their council tax.

Other discounts are offered for households earning less than £250 a week and, based on the current scheme, almost 16,000 will benefit.

There will be deductions for households’ non-dependants, with these calculated based on how much they earn.

The council tax support scheme for pensioners remains unchanged.

A decision to alter the scheme for those of working age was prompted by the rollout of UC, which changes the way people receive benefits.

A consultation carried out by the council showed that the change – and its design – was generally well-received by residents.

However, there were some concerns that it does not incentivise work, with around 17 per cent of respondents suggesting it does while over 40 per cent suggested it does not.

The council report on the subject noted there is a need to “strike a balance” between encouraging work and supporting those who are most in need.

It pointed out that those out of work must spend a much larger proportion of their income on council tax in the current system but that the new model still leaves those in work better off.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, responsible for housing and welfare reform at Brent Council, said: “Through consulting with residents, we have worked hard to develop a scheme which is fairer, simpler and based on a household’s ability to pay.

“The council is committed to helping the 27,000 residents most in need of support and so I’m pleased to say that the budget allocated for Council Tax support will remain unchanged.

“I’m also pleased that the new scheme will continue to help those with the additional financial burden of disability and caring responsibilities, while being based on the household’s ability to pay.”

The council is hosting a series of drop-in sessions this month to help answer any questions – at Brent Hubs Wembley on March 9 (2pm-5pm), Brent Hubs Kilburn on March 18 (2pm-5pm) and Brent Civic Centre on March 23 (10am-4pm).