Havering Council Proposed Reduction to Council Tax Support Scheme

Overview

Have your say on proposed changes to Havering’s Council Tax Support scheme from April 2027.

Council Tax Support helps residents on a low income pay their Council Tax. The amount awarded depends on their household circumstances.

From April 2027, we propose to reduce maximum support from 75% to 65% for eligible working-age residents who are not recognised as disabled under Havering’s scheme.

No final decision has been made. We want your views on the proposal and how it could affect you or the people you support.

Why are we proposing this?

Havering faces significant financial pressures from rising costs, particularly in children’s and adult social care, housing support and services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Since 2023/24, the Council has needed £86 million in exceptional financial support through borrowing to help balance its budget, with £77 million agreed in principle for 2026/27.

The proposal is one of the measures being considered to reduce costs and reliance on borrowing. It is intended to save £700,000 in 2027/28, while continuing support for residents on low incomes and retaining higher protection for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents.

Who would be affected?

On 31 October 2026, 12,694 households received Council Tax Support: 4,819 pension-age households and 7,875 working-age households.

Of the working-age claimants, 5,091 were in disability-related categories and are not affected by this proposal; 2,784 were other working-age claimants. The table shows the proposed change and the groups whose support would stay the same.

Pension-age support is covered by a national statutory scheme and would not change.

What could this mean for your household?

What could this mean for your household?

If your household is affected, you would still receive Council Tax Support, but you could pay more towards your Council Tax bill.

For households receiving the maximum level of support:

• Currently, Council Tax Support covers 75% of the bill, leaving you to pay 25%.
• Under the proposal, Council Tax Support would cover 65% of the bill, leaving you to pay 35%.

The actual amount you would pay would depend on your Council Tax band, circumstances and entitlement to support.

What could this mean for your weekly Council Tax payments?

These examples show how weekly payments could change for households receiving maximum Council Tax Support.

These examples compare the current scheme (2026/27) with the proposal (2027/28), assuming household income and Council Tax bills stay the same. They do not include any Council Tax increase for 2027/28. Your actual payments would depend on your circumstances and entitlement.

Why your views matter

Tell us how the proposal could affect you, your household or the people you support, and share any concerns or alternatives. Your feedback will help inform the Council’s decision.

What happens next?

After the consultation, we will consider your feedback alongside the Equality Impact Assessment, financial modelling and other relevant evidence before a decision is made. We will publish the findings and final decision on the Council’s website.

Help and support

We know this proposal may cause concern. If you are worried about money or paying your bills, see the ‘Related’ section below for help and advice. Support includes discretionary help with Council Tax, money and debt advice, flexible payment arrangements, benefits advice and support for vulnerable households.