Here to help: bigger council tax saving for low-income residents

Struggling Hackney residents will get a reduction of up to 90% on their next council tax bill after the Council approved new investment to support those hit hardest by the cost of living crisis.

Under new plans agreed by the Council’s Cabinet last night (11 December), working-age residents already receiving help to pay their council tax will see their bills reduced by up to 90% from April 2024.

Currently, the Council reduces the amount of council tax that around 30,000 of the borough's most in-need residents have to pay, with a reduction of up to 85% assessed through a means-tested scheme.  

The increase to a 90% reduction follows a consultation on the proposed changes which saw 73% of respondents back plans for additional financial support.

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, contact the Council’s Money Hub at bit.ly/MoneyHubHackney

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

In the Autumn Statement just a few weeks ago, ministers again failed to provide the funding local authorities need, forcing councils to increase council tax to maintain vital local services.

Given these challenges, I’m proud that we’re finding the funds to step up our council tax support offer for those who need it most, showing that we’re here to help the lowest-income families during the cost of living crisis.

This latest discount marks a big step in our long-term commitment to make those who can’t afford it exempt from paying council tax altogether.

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