A PARISH councillor has said he would be more than happy to stump up extra council tax to keep benefits for the most needy.

Wycombe District Council's Cabinet gave the go-ahead to a 20 per cent cut for about 5,400 claimants on the old system of council tax benefits at the start of the month.

Those of working age who currently claim will lose an average of £300 a year, to make up for a shortfall in the council's funding.

The other option would have been a rise in council tax, which would have meant about £13 extra a year to the average band D property.

Jeff Herschel, who is chairman of Chepping Wycombe Parish Council said he would be more than happy to give £13 extra a year, following editor of the Free Press and South Bucks Star, Steve Cohen, saying in his column last week he would gladly pay £13 extra in his council tax.

Cllr Herschel said: "Because ultimately as a country we are all a great big family.

"I have always passionately believed we all have duties and obligations to members of our family.

"That is not to say they don't have responsibilities back. If they are able to work I expect them to go out and do something."

Pensioners and disabled residents will be protected under the changes. He said if people are able to they should give back to the community, for example volunteering or picking up litter if they cannot find work.

But he said: "For some people for where it is impossible they really are in very difficult circumstances. I think when that happens we should reach out our hands to them."

His brother, who lives in Wales, had to give up work as he is very ill from liver cancer. His sister in law works when she can find work but he said benefits are needed for people like him.

And he said £13 really isn't much- just two bottles of wine. The 66-year-old Flackwell Heath resident said there should be a system in place to ensure the most needy are helped.

He said: "I suppose we pay an enormous amount of money to councils to national civil service to work to do things on our behalf. "One of the things they can and should be doing is asking people what can you do?

"There is a personal responsibility. You can look at the system to try and edge people to go out and do something to make sure they are not just sitting in front of the TV.

"But here is an area of personal responsibility.

"It is an area of pride. You shouldn't feel guilty about being on benefits if you are putting something back into the community."

Labour supporter Linda Derrick also supported Mr Cohen's column and agreed with every word he said.

She said: "DWP estimate that 0.7 per cent of benefits was overpaid because of fraud in 2011/12. You can make your own comparisons with those evading or avoiding paying their taxes.

"You asked people to join you in helping the needy. Like you, I am very happy to hand over £13 to contribute to the shortfall and so is my husband."

The new policy has to be rubber stamped via a vote at full council tonight but it looks likely to go ahead, with the changes to come into place in April.