Tell Croydon Council how it must continue to support residents with Council Tax! 

Residents living on very low income are entitled to Council Tax Support. 

The last major changes to the Council Tax Support in Croydon happened in 2022. Since those changes, our Law Centre has seen the average council tax debt of a household rise from £1,682 before the change to £2,555. 

Now, Croydon council is deciding whether to make more changes, which will cut Council Tax Support even further. But you can have your say.  

Council tax rates in Croydon are already among the highest in the country. Further reducing support for local residents, while continuing to increase council tax, will have serious consequences for local people.  

I regularly meet residents who are struggling to pay these high charges. They’re desperate for some support, yet their debts keep increasing, and costs keep piling on while they’re unable to increase their income.  

Often, residents have budgeted extremely tightly – to the penny – and still have to go without essentials. 

Croydon Council have told us that they’re committed to listening to residents, so please tell them what you think of the changes they’re suggesting.  

If, like us, you’re worried about the consequences of further reducing Council Tax Support, make sure you reply to the consultation.  

If you disagree with the proposals to reduce Council Tax Support, you can reply to the consultation on the council’s Have Your Say page. 

You can use this template response as a guide. 

You can also speak to your local councillor. 

Councillors are local politicians who exist to represent your interests locally. Many councillors we’ve spoken to have no experience or insight into Council Tax Support – they might have no experience of what it is like to be disabled, seriously unwell or a lone parent with a young child on very low income.  

Speaking to your local councillor will help highlight how you believe this will impact us. You can find out how to visit your local councillor here. 

You can also write to your local councillor by using this handy tool: WriteToThem – Email your Councillor, MP, MSP, MS, MLA or London Assembly Member for free 

If you want any help responding to the consultation or speaking to your local councillor, you can contact me (Rhi) at community@swllc.org, or calling 0208 208 5757. 
 
If you are in council tax debt, you can get an appointment with us by clicking here.