Report from meeting on the 13th

Members of Redbridge Trades Union Council and East London Unite  are actively campaigning against Redbridge Council's plans to cut council tax support for the poorest residents, during the worst  cost of living crisis in  living  memory when benefits no longer cover the basic necessities of  life  . The campaign highlights the struggles already  faced by Redbridge residents to eat and heat their homes .   

The Joseph Rowntree Trust's alarming statistics, show that 14.4 million people, including 4.2 million children, are living in dire poverty  and  62% of  people who are destitute  are  chronically sick and disabled.

At a public meeting held on February 13th, the audience heard from local teachers about children coming to school hungry and without adequate clothing affecting their  health and  well-being. A local caseworker explained how he sees  many residents' struggling with housing and debt  problems which will worsen with these measures . A resident  caring for her elderly father explained  how they already struggle to pay council tax  so can't afford to pay  any more  

In the meeting  it was revealed that Redbridge's current level of council tax support is already among the lowest in the country and  the proposed cuts are set to worsen the situation :  Only 23 out of 296 councils  provide 70% or less  as the maximum support  level  :  Redbridge's maximum is 65% for people with children on Universal credit and only 55%  for those on UC  without children . Redbridge's proposed minimum award level of £10 ( meaning if you are entitled to less than £10 you get nothing )  contrasts sharply with other councils that give a minimum award of £1, and some London councils provide either 100% support or very close to that level. Notably, Waltham Forest is now increasing support levels to prevent hardship. Research shows  the less support given makes  it harder to collect and collection methods used like benefit deductions leave people with not enough to eat.

 Independent Councillor Shanell Johnson said , prior to leaving Redbridge Labour said  she attempted to discuss local poverty at a Labour group meeting but faced resistance. 

 The group has circulated a petition: titled "Stop the cuts to Council tax support  (https://chng.it/HyNt8nWf)  and will send a delegation to Redbridge Council's  budget meeting at Redbridge Town Hall (28-142 High Rd Ilford, IG1 1DD) on 29th February at 7pm to appeal against the budget hittest on the poorest residents.