A 0 per cent increase in Bromley’s element of council tax has been approved by the council’s Executive as part of the draft budget for 2022/23, along with a 1 per cent rise in the Adult Social Care pr
The council’s award-winning financial management and its own income and investments has allowed it to keep council tax low while still delivering life-improving services including a Tackling Loneliness Strategy and a scheme to replace all existing streetlights with new environmentally friendly LED lights.
The small rise in the Adult Social Care precept, combined with savings, utilisation of the Covid government grants to meet Covid related costs and use of collection fund reserves, had enabled the council to achieve a balanced budget for 2022/23 despite the continued effects of the pandemic, high inflation and additional growth pressures.
Bromley residents will, however, see their council tax rise by more than the 1 per cent announced by Bromley Council in 2022/23, as the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) draft budget includes an 8.8 per cent rise in the GLA precept.
Councillor Michael Rutherford, Executive Councillor for Resources, Commissioning and Contract Management, commented: “It is a source of great pride that we have managed to consistently deliver one of the lowest council tax bills in outer London for Bromley’s residents, while continuing to deliver excellent services and amenities across the borough. This has been achieved, and will continue to be achieved, through scrupulous financial management, prudent property administration and trimming away the waste still seen in many local councils. At a time when residents are extremely concerned about the rising cost of living, this commitment and achievement is more important than ever.”
Cllr Rutherford added: “In addition to the minimal overall increase in council tax, the council intends to continue to keep council tax rises below the rate of inflation until at least 2026.”
In 2021/22, the owner of a B and D property in Bromley paid £1691.52 in council tax. By comparison, the owner of a Band D property in Croydon paid £1888.15 (£196.63 more) and the owner of a Band D property in Bexley paid £1846.72 (£155.20 more).
The Adult Social Care Precept is earmarked to fund services that provide necessary and invaluable support to adults with physical or mental needs on a day-to-day basis. The GLA Precept funds the services provided by the GLA Group, including Transport for London and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime.
Following approval at the Executive Committee meeting on 9 February 2022, the draft budget will now be considered at the council meeting on 28 February 2022.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk