Low-income families with children could be given additional council tax support under plans by Shropshire Council.
The council is considering no longer counting Child Benefit as household income, a move designed to offer greater support to low-income families with children.
A six-week public consultation will be launched to gather views from residents and stakeholders, including town and parish councils, housing associations, and major precepting authorities.
Roger Evans, cabinet member for finance at Shropshire Council, said: "By proposing to disregard Child Benefit, we know that we will lose some Council Tax income.
"However, this is the morally correct decision.
"It is something that the whole of Cabinet feels very strongly about as we try to support the most vulnerable across the County.
"We recognise the financial pressures many households continue to face, particularly families with children."
The proposal aims to reduce the financial burden on families who have moved from legacy benefits to Universal Credit and may receive less Council Tax Support as a result.
Disregarding Child Benefit in council tax support calculations would give these families additional financial relief.
Mr Evans said: "These proposals are intended to provide additional support to those who need it most, while maintaining a sustainable Council Tax Support Scheme for the future. "By disregarding Child Benefit when calculating Council Tax Support, we can provide additional help to low-income families and ensure the scheme better reflects the challenges they face. "I strongly encourage residents and stakeholders to take part in the consultation and share their views so that we can fully consider the impact of any changes before a final decision is made."
Shropshire Council’s cabinet agreed to launch the consultation during its meeting on Wednesday, September 9, describing the proposal as a "moral decision" intended to support vulnerable families.
Feedback gathered during the consultation will be reviewed by cabinet on November 18, before a final recommendation is made to full council on December 10.
If approved, the changes will form part of the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2027 and beyond.
Residents can take part in the consultation through the council’s website by visiting the 'Get Involved – Shropshire Council Consultation Portal'.
The council is encouraging everyone who may be affected or who has an interest in the scheme to share their views.
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