Barking and Dagenham Council is inviting residents to give their views on proposed changes to its working age Council Tax Support scheme from 1 April 2025. 

The proposed changes include:

• Retaining an income banded discount scheme.
• Increasing the income allowances to take account of increases in income and Benefits.
• Increasing the deduction applied for non-dependent adults who are part of the household from £7.50 to £10.
• Reducing the overall award in the income band(s) by 5%.  

Any potential changes would take affect from 1 April 2025 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: “As more and more councils face budget challenges, it’s important we consider options – as difficult as they may be - to ensure the council remains financially resilient and continues to support those most in need.

“The Council Tax Support Scheme is designed to support low-income residents with a discount on their bill. We want to provide as much support as we can, but we’re facing severe financial pressures and we have to look at these options. So, it’s only right that we ask residents who this is likely to affect for their views. I would urge residents to take part in the consultation and have their say.”

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 21 August and Dagenham Learning Centre on Thursday 22 August, or online at oneboroughvoice.lbbd.gov.uk/cts-scheme-2025-26.

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 Sunday 22 September.