Council Tax help for low-income residents protected

Struggling Hackney residents will continue to get a reduction of up to 90% on their Council Tax bill after the Council agreed to maintain vital support for households on low incomes.

Under plans agreed by the Council’s Cabinet this week, in advance of agreeing the Council’s 2025-26 budget next month, working-age residents will see their bills continue to be reduced by up to 90% from April 2025.

That’s despite huge financial pressures facing all local authorities, which means Hackney Council will need to make significant savings to balance its budget and has left other authorities considering reductions in Council Tax support.

Currently more than 17,000 households claim help paying their Council Tax in Hackney, with discounts assessed through a means-tested scheme.  

The Council has also confirmed that owners of second homes – homes that are used periodically rather than as a main residence – will have their Council Tax bills doubled from April 2025. Last year, it introduced double Council Tax bills for the owners of any home that has sat empty for at least 12 months.

To find out more about financial support with paying Council Tax, visit: hackney.gov.uk/council-tax-reduction-claim

To find out if you’re getting the financial help you’re entitled to, visit: hackney.gov.uk/here-to-help

The Council will continue to pay 100% of Council Tax for eligible pensioners and for foster carers. 

We have been clear about our commitment to prioritising the needs of Hackney’s most vulnerable residents first as we work through the severe financial challenges we face.

That’s why I’m proud to say that the Council Tax discount of up to 90% we introduced last year will remain, while we will also double council tax bills for second home owners from April.

Cllr Robert Chapman, Cabinet member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Services