Havering Council has contacted all Council Tax Support applicants regarding proposals to change the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2019.

It is seeking to address a £37million budget gap over the next four years which has arisen through a cocktail of reduced government funding, increasing costs and a growing age population.

To balance the budget, Havering is looking at reducing running costs and raising money by increasing income – the most “obvious” option being to raise Council Tax.

The council has decided against using its reserves.

The main change is that people with disabilities currently claiming Council Tax Support will have to pay an extra 5per cent towards their Council Tax, increasing the minimum contribution from 15 to 20pc.

For claimants with no disabilities the rise will be from 15pc to 25pc.

Pensioners are protected by law from the proposed changes to The Council Tax Support Scheme.

These moves have the potential to leave many of the most vulnerable in Havering, who have felt the full effect of Tory austerity, struggling to make ends meet.

The rises of between 5 and 10pc will impact many families across Havering.

Many of these families live in either vulnerable circumstances or have felt the full effect of Tory austerity and are struggling to make ends meet.

That is why I am urging all residents who will be affected by these changes to have their say.

Please go to www.havering.gov.uk/consultations and complete the survey.

The consultation closes on September 30 and final decisions on the budget, including the CTS proposals, will be made early in the New Year.

It is extremely important that Council Tax Support claimants have their say on the proposed changes.