RESIDENTS can have their say over a controversial council tax benefit scheme.

Tendring Council introduced a residency clause to its council tax support scheme last year to cut down on so-called “benefit tourism”.

It means most people can’t claim council tax benefit until they have lived in the district for five years.

Critics branded it a “modern-day Poor Law”.

A High Court test case decision means the policy could be illegal and the council could face paying back more than £1million.

The council was due to renew the policy last month, but suspended it after a court ruling against Sandwell Council in the West Midlands.

Tendring Council is now asking residents to have their say on the future of its council tax support scheme.

Housing boss Paul Honeywood said: “I am satisfied our policy does not discriminate in the same way as Sandwell’s policy.

“However, we are consulting on the policy and would really like to know people’s views on the future of the council tax support scheme in this area.”

The council says pensioners and vulnerable people are not affected by the scheme.

The online survey at tendringdc.gov.uk/benefitctax change closes on October 24.