Former councillor wins right to bring council tax JR

A former councillor has been granted permission to being a judicial review against the London Borough of Havering over its decision to charge a portion of council tax to all residents of working age.

Mark Logan successfully argued that his case should go to judicial review because it discriminated against severely disabled people such a himself. This was because the charge of 15% of the full council tax rate applies only to working age people, not pensioners.

Mr Logan has argued that this represents age discrimination against vulnerable younger people.

Havering imposed the charge after council tax support was localised in 2013 but with an overall 10% cut in the total amount available imposed by the government.

A council spokeswoman said: “The council took a  decision when council tax support changed that it would charge working age people at the 15% rate as we have a lot of money to find and this is a contribution to our budget.

“The council is confident its decision was the right one and continues to defend its case.”

Mr Logan successively represented the British National Party and the Independent Residents Group on the council before being removed in 2013 for failing to attend meetings for six months.