Waltham Forest council is proposing to reduce means-tested Council Tax benefits substantially over the next two years. The benefit is means tested by a calculation based on bare subsistence – i.e. without it people would simply not have enough to live.

This could lead to real hardship for many of the poorest in the borough.

The “consultation” being proposed in a glossy leaflet and online survey simply adds insult to injury. Residents are being asked to vote for “Option 1” – an increase in the amount to be paid from 15per cent to 23per cent this year and 32per cent in 2016 – or “Option 2” – an increase to 27per cent this year. Both “choices” are unacceptable, and will give Waltham Forest the lowest rate of subsidy in London.

This fake consultation will create the impression that Labour councillors are not resisting government cuts, but merely passing them on. It can make people wonder what the point is in voting Labour if this is the best they can do.

If there is enough money to spend on sending out glossy leaflets to residents can we suggest that it would be better spent on putting the blame where it really lies and sending out publicity for the TUC march, “Britain Needs a Pay Rise” in Central London on October 18.

Linda Taffe, Secretary, Waltham Forest Trades Union Council; Tim Roedel, Branch Secretary, Waltham Forest Fire Brigades Union; Tony Phillips, Branch secretary, London Fire and Emergency Service Planning Authority Unison; Glenroy Watson, Branch, Vice-President London regional Council RMT; Dave Knight, Branch Secretary, Waltham Forest Unison; Steve White, Branch Secretary, Waltham Forest NUT