main content Value for money council tax recommendation

A value for money council tax that delivers on residents' priorities was at the heart of recommendations made at a meeting of the Council's Executive last night. The Bromley part is set to rise by 4.3% in 2008/09, if its recommendations are agreed at the full Council meeting on Monday, 18 February. Combined with a projected Greater London Authority (GLA) precept increase of 2.4%, Bromley residents are likely to continue to benefit from one of the lowest council tax levels in outer London next financial year, with an anticipated overall increase of 3.9%.

In addition to the usual services provided by the Council, and despite continued low levels of government funding, an extra £650k has been set aside to tackle issues local people have said are important to them. This will include one off spending on environmental improvement initiatives in local neighbourhoods, and the establishment of a £150k community fund to supplement existing spending on initiatives to support the independence of adults and provide opportunities for children and young people to achieve their potential. Details are to be confirmed before proposals are invited to a future meeting of the Executive.

In recommending the council tax level as part of next year’s overall budget, Councillor Stephen Carr, Leader of the Council, said: “This is the sixth year in a row we have received the minimum level of government grant support. Despite this, we continue to make steady progress through prudent use of resources, improved efficiency and most importantly listening to our residents. Our plans reflect their concerns, and over the coming months we will be taking swift and effective action to improve the things they care about most. Key to this is a focus on high impact, localised schemes, which will see ward councillors, the Council and our partners working together to further improve quality of life as we strive to Build a Better Bromley."

The council tax recommendation follows publication of the Audit Commission’s latest ‘use of resources’ report last week, which saw Bromley awarded a top score of four overall.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The council tax is made up of two elements: the tax for Bromley’s own spending and a ‘precept’ collected on behalf of the Greater London Authority. The Council’s part of the tax will rise by £40 a year (4.3%) for a Band ‘D’ household. The Mayor of London is proposing to increase the Greater London Authority’s precept by £7 a year (2.4%) at Band ‘D’, leading to an anticipated overall increase of 3.9%. The Mayor’s actual increase will be confirmed on 13 February.

For media enquiries, please email emma.dedier@bromley.gov.uk or call 020 8313 4415. Alternatively, ring 020 8313 4778.