Residents are being invited to have their say on the plans which will see some people’s discount reduce by 11%, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Barnet Council's Colindale office — Barnet Council’s Colindale office

Barnet Council plans to cut council tax support by up to 11% for some residents in a bid to tackle financial challenges.

Under the new scheme, which if agreed will come into effect in April, residents who receive a 36% discount will now only get a 25% discount.

The proposals will only affect people of working age, as pension age claimants will be unaffected.

The news comes following the council’s announcement the scheme would be reassessed last month. The council is now calling on residents to give their views on the proposal as part of a consultation.

The proposal comes following the council’s announcement this month of a projected £25m overspend for the current 2024/25 financial year, a repeated problem for many councils in London.

The current council tax support scheme in Barnet costs £27.3million and the working age element, which costs £15.35m, is projected to increase by £300,000 for 2025/26.

However, the reduced working age element of the proposed scheme would cost the council £12.8m if approved.

The changes mean those on the maximum award level of 72% will now get 70%, those receiving a 52% discount will get 50%, and those receiving 44% will get 40%.

Residents who earn between £800 and £1,100 per month are currently entitled to a 36% discount but will now get a 25% discount. Those earning between £1,100 and £1,400 get 28% but will now also receive 25%.

Finally, those earning between £1,400 and £1,700 will moved from receiving a 20% discount to only getting 12%. The award level remains unchanged for those receiving between £1,700 to £2,000 per month, who will still be entitled to a 12% discount.

The council is asking residents for feedback via an online questionnaire. In it, residents can choose where they agree or disagree with each individual change.

Participants have until 6th January to complete the form.

For further information on the changes and to take part in the consultation:
Visit Proposed Changes to Council Tax Support Scheme 2025-26 consultation

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