Council Tax Support Scheme – New Council consultation
There is a new Barnet Council consultation on Council Tax Support Scheme. If you are of working age and currently receive help through the Council Tax Support Scheme you are going to be directly affected.
The consultation closes 6 January 2025.
Proposed Changes to Council Tax Support Scheme 2025-26 consultation | Engage Barnet
Who may be affected:
People of working age on low incomes who currently receive help through the Council Tax Support Scheme would be directly affected.
How many residents would this impact:
If the proposals are agreed, then 254 Barnet residents will no longer qualify for Council Tax support. Others on low incomes may have their discount reduced.
It all depends on how much you earn.
The table in the Overview of proposed changes section below shows more details.
18,000 working age residents in Barnet are currently eligible for Council Tax Support.
When would the changes start?
If the proposals go ahead, they would begin from April 2025
Who is not affected:
Pensioners are not affected.
Overview of proposed changes:
The table below shows the Current Scheme and the proposed changes:
Text version of table:
| Income Band | Current Discount on Council Tax | Proposed Discount on Council Tax | Current Earnings threshold (monthly) | Proposed Earnings threshold (monthly) |
| 1 | 72% | 70% (difference of -2%) | No earnings | No earnings |
| 2 | 52% | 50% (difference of -2%) | <£500 | <£500 |
| 3 | 44% | 40% (difference of -4%) | £500.01 to £800 | £500.01 to £800 |
| 4 | 36% | 25% (difference of -11%) | £800.01 to £1100 | £800.01 to £1400 |
| 5 | 28% | 12% (difference of -16%) | £1100.01 to £1400 | £1400.01 to £2000 |
| 6 | 20% | N/A | 01400.01 to £1700 | N/A |
| 7 | 12% | N/A | £1700.01 to £2000 | N/A |
Who should respond to the consultation survey?
The consultation is open to all Barnet residents. The council is keen to hear from Council Taxpayers, as well as those residents currently in receipt of Council Tax Support, businesses, community groups and voluntary organisations.
Duration of consultation
Opens 19 November
Closes: 6 January 2025
Why is the Council suggesting cuts to this scheme?
Barnet Council are facing difficult financial challenges. These proposals would make the scheme more affordable for the Council.