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 2025. 

The council faces significant financial challenges which will impact on services provided to residents unless they are addressed. This year there is a £17.2m budget gap, and pressures will continue into 2025-26.

This is mainly caused by increasing demand and costs for social care for vulnerable adults and children. Therefore, the council is now having to consider further options towards meeting this shortfall and to help protect essential services for residents.

Earlier this year the recommendation for the CTS scheme in 2025/26 was made based on the council’s projected forecasted budget gap at that point in time. 

However, the council will receive only a marginal increase in core funding from the Government which adds pressure to the council’s continued budget gap into 2025/26. And with spiralling demand for social care services for adults and children, and costs for these essential services continuing to increase, the council is having to look at additional savings options.

The new proposals set out two models which residents are being asked to share their views on. They include a 60% and 63% discount option.

Any potential changes would take effect 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 Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “Unfortunately we will need to make some tough decisions to balance our budget over the coming months. We are considering all options – as difficult as they may be.

“Councils up and down the country face the same challenges with reduced resources, and we have all seen the huge financial challenges that this government has inherited. The damage to local budgets can’t be undone in one announcement. 

“We know the proposals set out in this consultation will be difficult for residents and it’s not a decision we want to take. However, it’s important to ensure the council remains financially resilient and continues to support those most in need. I encourage residents to share their views.”

Have your say

Residents are invited to share their views by dropping into face-to-face support sessions at Dagenham Learning Centre on Thursday 12 December, 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm.

Residents can also have their say online at oneboroughvoice.lbbd.gov.uk/lbbd-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 Wednesday 15 January 2025.