Special Constables can now apply for a discount in their council tax following a u-turn by ruling Conservatives on South Kesteven District Council.

Earlier this month, the council's cabinet voted against such support, which was estimated would cost it £825, but members today voted to offer the discount to the 22 'Specials' that live in the district.

The vote followed a motion from Deepings Independent Phil Dilks which was due to be debated at the meeting this afternoon.

Furthermore, Grantham Conservative Ray Wootten, a former policeman, had also earlier called for a change of heart from the council, as previously reported by Nub News.

The climbdown was announced at the meeting this afternoon when cabinet member for finance Adam Stokes (Con-Springfield) presented a report on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme, which currently offers £7.2million in tax relief to eligible groups.

Coun Stokes said SKDC would extend its system to include Special Constables, as recommended by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones, a Conservative.

The support would be reveiwed annually, but the aim would be to keep it for the term of the current council (which ends in 2023).

Coun Wootten said he was 'happy' to second the support for the specials and spoke of their history and the 14,000 volunteer hours they give to Lincolnshire.

However, Coun Dilks recalled how the cabinet of the council had voted against such support, despite voting to 'underwrite' £100,000 to fund the unveiling of the Margaret Thatcher in Grantham. He also noted the cabinet members claim £133,000 from the public purse for their 'voluntary' work as councillors.

Councillors Sarah Trotter, a former special and former police officer, Paul Wood, leader of the Independent Group and Deepings Independent Ashley Baxter also spoke in favour of the discount.

Council leader Kelham Cooke explained the change of heart, saying cabinet members had earlier been concerned about its financial impact. Members also wanted to see what other councils were doing. He too appreciated the work of the specials and the link they form between the police and the wider community.

Coun Stokes added the u-turn "shows we do listen and we are a listening cabinet and will take on people's opinions."