Barking and Dagenham Council is inviting residents to give their views on proposed changes to its working age Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme from 1 April 2024.

The proposed changes include the introduction of income bands, making it easier for residents to identify the discounts they are eligible for.

The proposals may result in changes to some of the amounts people receive. Any potential changes would take affect from 1 April 2024 and only affect working-age residents. Residents who are of a pension age will not be affected as the Government sets out support for them.

Councillor Twomey, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Growth and Core Services, said: “After more than a decade of Government cuts, councils up and down the country continue to face huge challenges with ever increasing financial pressures. But despite these challenges, it’s so important that we continue to take steps to support residents as much as we can.

“The Council Tax Support Scheme is designed to support low-income residents with a discount on their bill. We know the pressures many residents are facing, and we want to ensure the support received is as fair as possible, making sure those who are in most need continue to benefit from it. Please do take just a few minutes to share your views online or in person.”

Have your say

Residents are invited to share their views by dropping into face-to-face support sessions at the Barking Learning Centre on Wednesday 1 November and Dagenham Learning Centre on Wednesday 8 November, 9.30am to 3.30pm, or online at oneboroughvoice.lbbd.gov.uk/cts-2024-25.

Residents who would like additional support to complete the questionnaire, can email benefits@lbbd.gov.uk with the subject ‘CTS consultation’.

The consultation closes on Thursday 23 November.