'It sounds like a Corbyn policy', readers' anger as South Ribble cuts tax contribution for poorest households

Currently, at least £3.50 per week is deducted from the incomes of certain benefit claimants in the district – but South Ribble Borough Council has now voted to scrap the charge.

Cabinet member Aniela Bylinski-Gelder said the change would mean “those who can least afford it will no longer need to divert resources away from their families”.

The change will reduce the budget not only of South Ribble Council but other authorities across Lancashire.

Many readers were unimpressed by the move, insisting any cuts to taxes should be shared among all residents.

Here's a selection of some of what you had to say:

"You have to cut for everyone or nobody. Cant have people paying different prices for the same service. It wouldn’t be acceptable anywhere else."

Rio Fox

People who get benefits get enough help with stuff ... surely it should be cut for all or NO ONE ... this country is to expensive as it is.

Lynne Baker

Hopefully it helps them on universal credit.

Emma Walker

The main problem with all this is that its usually based on gross income when it should be net income after tax and NI. The problem with that is a lot of people also have more outgoings. I’m talking basics here rent/mortgage utility Bill’s food transport to work etc so in the end a person could be earning a lot but be worse off than someone on a lower gross income.

Pauline Thomas

The Council tax has effectively increased by £25.00 a year with us now having to pay for the brown bin being emptied...that’s on top of the increase we are getting this year. We should all pay the same definitely not right.

Margaret Wyatt

You are very right, I cannot find work but I’m not entitled to any benefits as my husband works full time, but his income pays for all the bills and doesn’t allow for savings for emergencies, or essentials.

Marie Dixon

Who will pay the short fall not the commercial tax not the universal credit.Got it the people that work hard and have to stretch money for miles.

Patricia Sharkey

Wish they would do this in Pendle Borough.

Becky Venn

Work hard get shafted ‍♂️ time to make a stand!!!!! Let’s see a working persons union, let’s see the council’s response when the working class go on strike!!!

Dwayne Cuming

Why am I not surprised that people are ranting because those that need help are getting a little bit more in their pocket.

Lee Holding

If they are low income, surely they get help paying it anyway. So all you are doing is helping benefits office, not them.

Dorothy Norcross

Constantly read stories of people left destitute on universal credit , people having to use food banks etc yet you have people on here seriously fuming over them not paying £3.50 really fuming because this sounds like a Corbyn policy “ we didn’t vote Tory for this.

Mark Fenerty