main content Local people shaping Council’s plans

A value for money council tax that reflects what matters most to residents and maintains service quality was at the heart of recommendations made at a meeting of the Council’s Executive last night. The Bromley element of the council tax is set to rise by 3.98% in 2006/07 if the Executive’s recommendations are agreed at the full Council meeting on Monday 20 February. The projected GLA precept increase is over 13%. Despite a low level of financial support from Government, Bromley residents will continue to benefit from one of the lowest council tax levels in outer London next year.

Said Councillor Stephen Carr, Leader of the Council: “Keeping our council tax low is a top priority for the Council and for our residents. Despite a continuing low level of financial support from Government our council tax remains one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in outer London. We have listened carefully to what local people want for their borough and have set a realistic but progressive budget that reflects what they have told us matters to them such as cleaner streets, an environment that is safe, secure and pleasant, good schools for our local children, better facilities for young people and services that mean vulnerable people are well looked after. We have also set aside monies to respond to the review of Bromley’s library services. The budget continues to shape our vision of Building a Better Bromley for the people who live and work in our borough.”

A further £5.7 claimed by the Council from the Government for meeting tough service improvement targets is being invested in projects such as making the borough’s streets more attractive, safer and accessible; providing opportunities for care leavers and other groups to prepare for work; supporting community based work at Cotmandene and Mottingham; improving recycling and supporting the independence of adults with learning or physical disabilities.
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Notes to editors:

• The GLA precept goes towards funding the GLA itself, the Metropolitan Police Authority, the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority and Transport for London. The increase includes additional costs for the Olympic Games. Since 2000/1, the proportion of the bill going to the GLA has risen from 16.7% to 23.3% in 2005/6. The projected GLA increase for 2006/7 is 13.3%
• For further information on the above please contact Paul Dale, Director of Resources, paul.dale@bromley.gov.uk
  020 8313 4338 
• For media enquiries, please contact Amanda.day@bromley.gov.uk Communications Officer,
  on 020 8313 4390