Barking and Dagenham Council is proposing to reduce the minimum payment from 25% to 15% for working-age households in receipt of this means-tested discount.  

This would reduce the amount people need to pay towards their Council Tax bill.

The council is also asking for feedback on a number of other options, which include leaving the level of Council Tax Support discount unchanged as well as plans to implement a new council tax support scheme for the 2024/25 financial year.

There are currently more than 15,800 households in receipt of Council Tax Support in the borough and amending the scheme would potentially support approximately an additional 700 households that currently would not qualify for a discount.  

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, said: “As the cost-of-living crisis continues to worsen, we want to do everything we can to help those most in need, which is why these proposals are being put forward to help low-income households who will struggle the most.

“We’re asking everyone to take five minutes and give their thoughts on the plans, which will have a huge impact on thousands of households in Barking and Dagenham.”

Any potential changes would take affect from 1 April 2023 and affect only working-age residents. Those of a pension age will not be affected as the Government sets out support for them centrally.

The consultation closes on 5 October 2022. Visit https://oneboroughvoice.lbbd.gov.uk/cts202324/ to take part.