A MAYOR is planning a Christmas bonus for thousands of council taxpayers.

Residents across Hartlepool will benefit from plans by Stuart Drummond to change the system of collecting council tax so householders enjoy a payment break in December.

The tax break means many people will have an estimated £80 extra in their wallets over the festive period, while some will have as much as £242.

At the moment, residents who pay their council tax by direct debit enjoy a two-month break in February and March.

Mayor Drummond said: "This will hopefully give people the chance to loosen their belt buckles over Christmas, which is always a time when people are short of cash.

"Everybody struggles over Christmas, but this way we can ease the burden a little. Everybody seems to think it is a great idea."

Mayor Drummond hopes the scheme is approved at this week's resources portfolio meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council.

If passed, taxpayers who sign up to pay by direct debit by the start of June will receive a tax break in December.

They will still have to pay the full amount of council tax, but will miss December's payment rather than March's.

The scheme would only be introduced as a pilot this year for new direct debit payers, but may be introduced for everyone next year.

Mr Drummond said: "It was an idea I came up with while I was doing the budget. I just thought it makes more sense to give people a tax break in December than March.

"If it turns out to be successful, it will also help the council's collection rates because we will be getting more people on to the direct debit system."