Walsall's poorest face rise in council tax under proposal

However, concerns have been raised over 'discriminatory' plans which would see under-35's protected from the changes.

Struggling families currently only have to pay 25 per cent of the total council tax bill under a relief scheme.

But they will have to find extra cash as the amount they have to pay goes up five per cent from April 1 next year.

Council chiefs said this will boost the authority's coffers to the tune of more than £290,000 next year.

However, by protecting single under-35s from the changes, the authority has reduced its income by £130,000.

The decision comes amid the council's ongoing efforts to slash £86 million from its budget over the next four years.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting passing through the plans, councillor Diane Coughlan said: "In 2015 we introduced a 25 per cent council tax reduction scheme and now we are having to consider another increase.

"My concerns regarding these proposals are well known to everyone in this room.

"On a personal level I am not happy to do this but we find ourselves in a dire financial situation due to Government cuts and the previous administration.

"Our aim is to protect those with the lowest income and protect our residents from harm.

"We are being forced to make these cuts, this is the Government getting us to do their dirty work."

Council leader Sean Coughlan echoed the councillor's concerns, saying: "We are moving in a direction of taking on responsibility that should be the Government's responsibility.

"The burden will be put on local people."

Other councillors have said they fear the increase in council tax will hit the poorest families hardest and also simply lead to a rise in council tax arrears.

Councillor Mike Bird said he felt that the decision to not include under-35s in the plans was 'discriminatory'.

He said: "I think it is right that the council have had to do this, I can't argue with that.

"I don't think five per cent will make much of a difference, but for me the biggest issue is that they are not imposing this on under-35s.

"You can't have one rule for some and a different rule for another, this could be seen as discriminatory.

"In my opinion those who are the poorest in Walsall should have to pay nothing, as has been the case in the past."