Epsom Council will be reducing its council tax support next year after a slash in Government funding.

Last year, the Government abolished the national council tax benefit scheme and asked councils to create their own schemes to help residents on low incomes.

It also reduced the funding for such schemes by 10 per cent.

A spokesman said Epsom Council is not able to sustain the level of support it provided for those needing council tax support in the first year of its scheme.

From April next year, every working age claimant will be asked to pay the first 20 per cent of their council tax.

The change will affect about 1,900 households, but pensioners receiving council tax support will be exempt.

The spokesman added: "For some this might be the first time they have had to make payments towards their council tax.

"The council will be contacting everyone affected."

Epsom Councillor Neil Dallen, chairman of the strategy and resources committee, said: "The new scheme will see all working age council tax support claimants pay something towards their council tax.

"We do appreciate we are asking more from those with limited means, who may well already be facing challenges with other reductions from the welfare reforms however this cut in council tax support is a direct result of the reduction in Government funding.

"The council needs to be able to support those who need help to pay their council tax, whilst maintaining its services and not placing a greater burden on every council tax payer.

"We are grateful to those who took part in our consultation on possible changes to council tax support as this helped in our decision-making."

The council has increased the discretionary hardship fund, from which funds can be awarded as a one-off emergency top-up for those on support and in real need. Awards are considered on an individual basis.