Changes to Bexley’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme were agreed at Full Council this week (5 March).
This decision was taken after careful consideration of the impact the change may have on those affected and the provisions in place to support those households on low incomes, including Government initiatives around supporting employment and training and childcare.
The Council Tax Reduction Scheme will reduce the percentage of support provided by 5% across all income bands with effect from 1 April 2025.
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr David Leaf said:
The Council has to set a balanced budget each year with the resources we have available. However, there are many financial challenges ahead of us due to continued rising costs and increasing pressure on the vital services we provide such as Adult and Children’s Social Care and Housing. The new Government is also pushing more costs onto us, like the huge rise in employers' National Insurance Contributions, while reducing the national share funding for councils provided to Bexley and instead giving more money to other areas. We have a duty to find savings where we can in order to offer the best possible service for our residents and that does mean having to make some difficult decisions.
These changes will mean that households on the lowest incomes will still receive significant discounts on their Council Tax bills, while taking into account the Council’s budgetary position. We will ensure that we continue to signpost residents to the local support available for anyone who may find themselves in financial difficulty and work with our partners to support those in need. Other councils in London and across the country are making similar changes to their schemes as a result of the pressures they face too."
The Council’s business and employment services, BBE, offer a range of support to help people get back into employment with training, interview and CV advice.
For help and advice for anyone struggling with finances visit our cost of living pages.