A RECORD low number of pensioners in north Essex are using a scheme to help pay their council tax bill amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anti-poverty charity Turn2us has warned many people are missing out on the benefit, as the impact of the outbreak pushes millions into “financially precarious” positions.

Low-income households and pensioners in England can apply for a discount or exemption on their council tax under the Council Tax Reduction scheme.

In Colchester, 3,558 pensioners were claiming support in the three months to June, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government figures show.

That was the lowest number for any quarter since 2015/16, when comparable records began, and a 4 per cent drop compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the number of working age residents claiming a council tax reduction rose to 5,684 from 5,486.

In Tendring, 6,470 pensioners were claiming support in the three months to June.

It was also the lowest number for any quarter since 2015/16 and a 4 per cent drop compared to the same period last year.

The number of working age residents claiming a council tax reduction rose to 6,580 from 6,465.

The Council Tax Reduction scheme replaced the nationally-administered Council Tax Benefit in 2013, giving individual local authorities the power to decide who is eligible for support and what discounts to offer.

Sara Willcocks, head of external affairs at Turn2us, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has pushed millions into financially precarious positions.

“We expect to see more and more people need this benefit over the next few months.”

Separate figures reveal in the three months to June, Tendring Council raised £24 million through council tax – down from £​24.2 million over the same period in 2019.

Colchester Borough Council raised £32.5 million through council tax – up from £​31.9 million over the same period in 2019.

A Government spokesman said: “We’re giving councils unprecedented support during the pandemic.

“This includes £4.3 billion funding, compensation for irrecoverable income losses and a scheme allowing them to spread their tax deficits.”