Bristol City Council tax changes could affect thousands of low-income households

Thousands of people in Bristol who receive full council tax discounts may have to start paying from next year under proposed council changes.

In February the council passed plans to make £100m worth of cut. Now it says it can no longer afford to keep up the same level of helpbeing given to low income households through the Council Tax Reduction scheme.

Bristol City Council provides discounts for the poorest families in the city.

If it were to maintain the same level of support, next year the scheme would cost the council £41.8m which is £4.1m over budget.

The council's plan is for all working age households to start making payments towards council tax.

Sara Oliver doesn't currently pay council tax.

She lives with her partner and 13-year-old daughter and says their income is already stretched to its limit.

Sara Oliver says she worries about being unable to give her daughter money for hobbies and going out with friends. She told ITV West Country's Ellie Pitt that this is an isolating experience.

The council is asking for feedback on three options for raising council tax:

Local housing trade union representatives say the options will not give the council what they want.

Bristol City council say single parents with children under three and those with the medium or highest rate of disability support will continue to be supported.

The Mayor of Bristol says changes must be considered but the most vulnerable people will still be protected.