Currently residents who meet the means tested eligibility criteria can receive up to an 85 per cent reduction on their council tax and 15,000 residents benefit from the scheme. 

We propose to align our scheme with some national welfare changes and make some amendments to simplify the claim process. Changes proposed by our consultation do not apply to pensioners who have different rules that are controlled by the Government. It would not affect existing council tax discounts and exemptions such as the 25% single person’s discount or the exemption for people who are severely mentally impaired. 

Cllr Christine Grice, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources said:

“The Council would like to reduce some of the burden for the most vulnerable residents who are reliant on benefits to pay council tax in any case. Earlier this year in our budget consultation most people agreed with our proposals to prioritise our budget to make sure we can help the people who rely on our services the most. That includes help for residents who are losing out as they transfer to Universal Credit. We want to provide more financial support to residents who we think most need it” 

View the proposals and have your say

The consultation is open until 20 December 2019. If you have any further questions or comments you can email lcts-consultation@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. Paper copies of this consultation are available upon request by calling 020 8921 2006.

The Council must consult on its proposals and if agreed is required to have the new scheme to start on 1 April 2020. If the proposals are not agreed the current scheme remains the same.