Spring 2024
There is still time for residents who are struggling to make ends meet to apply for the Household Support Fund (HSF) from the Department for Work and Pensions. HSF started in April last year. The Council was allocated a grant of £3m.
So far in Bexley the money has been used for:
The funds have been distributed by the Council directly to residents and through local partner voluntary and community groups.
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr David Leaf said:
Since the HSF came into play last year we have done our utmost to ensure that those that need it most benefit. Our local groups have been instrumental in making this happen. There are still funds available. If you or someone you know is struggling please take a look at our website and see if you could benefit."
The local groups in Bexley who have been hard at work sharing the funds with those most in need are:
The Household Support Fund scheme runs from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2024.
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr David Leaf
As this edition of the Bexley Magazine goes to print, the Council Tax for 2024/2025 will be under discussion – and will be set at the full Council meeting in March.
Financial pressures on local government across the country have been prominent in the news. These have arisen due to a range of reasons beyond the control of councils including wider economic pressures, the ongoing consequences of the Covid pandemic, and the increasing volume and complexity of need for services, particularly within Children’s and Adult Social Care.
Councils have a legal duty to deliver a balanced budget while providing statutory services. We have been working – and continue to do so - across all Council services and departments to invest in key services while balancing our books through efficiencies and transformation and other opportunities.
The Council is not the only organisation providing public services in the borough that are partly funded from your Council Tax.
Find out information on Council Tax, including a breakdown of how Council Tax money is spent
We fully understand that many residents struggle to afford to pay Council Tax. In the year ahead, we are providing £15m through our Council Tax Reduction Scheme to support residents on low incomes.