More Council Tax help for those in need: have your say
Thousands of residents who are most in need could benefit from greater help to pay their Council Tax bills, if Hackney Council proposals go ahead.
The Council wants to reduce the amount low-income households pay towards the bill in order to provide further support to those worst-hit by the cost of living crisis.
Council Tax is used by the Council to fund vital services for all residents, such as street cleaning, road repairs, and bin collections, as well as life-changing improvements and initiatives for the borough.
Currently, the Council reduces the amount of Council Tax that around 30,000 of the borough's most vulnerable residents need to pay through a means-tested scheme.
But now it wants to reduce that even further and is consulting on these proposals.
We understand the continued impact the cost of living crisis is having on our residents.
Some households with the least financial resources have been hardest hit by changes to benefits and increases in everyday living costs such as food, rent, and utilities.
At the same time, we have had to increase Council Tax in order to continue providing essential services to Hackney residents at a time when our costs, like yours, are also rising.
The Council wants to provide as much financial support to our poorest residents as possible.
Our Council Tax support proposals are just the latest in an ongoing multi-million package of help and support the Council has rolled out to help those most in need.
We are consulting on proposals to pay 90% of Council Tax - up from 85% - for those who qualify, from April 2024. If successful, this would be well ahead of our schedule to do this by 2026.
Have your say on the proposals here. If you cannot access the online consultation form, phone 020 8356 5594 for help.
The Council will continue to pay 100% of Council Tax for eligible pensioners and for foster carers.
Financial and other help available to residents:
- Council Tax
Find out about Council Tax help here and whether you’re eligible.
- Emergency funds
Are you facing severe hardship and have no other source of money? The Council may be able to help if you. Fill out this form or visit the Hackney Service Centre in Hackney Central, for support filling it out or call: 020 8356 3111.
- Claim benefits
A benefits calculator can check you are claiming everything you should be. Try entitledto.co.uk. The Council can also check. Fill out this form or visit the Hackney Service Centre in Hackney Central, for support.
- Advice for everyone
The Council has produced a cost of living crisis online hub and guide, which includes:
- Bills and energy-saving advice
- Food and free meal access
- Free activities
- Jobs and training