OPPOSITION councillors have hit out at “despicable” plans to charge some of the poorest people in the Tendring district more for their council tax bills.

Conservative-run Tendring Council has been forced to drop its controversial “residency clause” policy, which meant no one could receive council tax benefit unless they had lived in the district for five years.

It was intended to cut down on so-called benefit tourism, but was branded a “modern-day Poor Law” by critics.

The policy has been axed after a similar scheme run by Sandwell Council, in the West Midlands, was found to be illegal in the High Court.

Working-age benefit claimants on low incomes in the Tendring district will instead be asked to pay 20 per cent of their council tax bill, rather than the current 15 per cent.

It could mean an extra £65 a year for some households.

Opposition Labour group leader Ivan Henderson said it was “despicable” to reduce support for the poorest people when the Government’s contribution to the scheme had been frozen.

“The minimum wage has been increased by 19p an hour to help these people, but then the council wants to take £65 away from them each year,” he said.

“This is at a time when cabinet members are urging people to support foodbanks because people can’t afford to eat.

“They are some of the most vulnerable people in this country, many through no fault of their own.

“People are struggling to pay their energy bills, and making them pay an extra £65 a year is a disgrace.”

Council benefits boss Paul Honeywood defended the hike, saying: “These are difficult times.

"Without this clause in place, we have had to go to 20 per cent to balance the books.

“We are doing the very best we can for our residents and aremaintaining front-line services, investing in projects, as well as balancing the books.

“It is our aim to look after our residents as best we can.”

The proposal goes before the full council for a decision on November 25.