Brent Council: Tax Hikes, Fee Changes, and Cuts to Tackle Budget Gap

Brent Council faces a £16 million budget gap, opting for tax increases, fee changes, and service cuts to manage finances.

Brent Council: Tax Hikes, Fee Changes, and Cuts to Tackle Budget Gap
Brent Council: Tax Hikes, Fee Changes, and Cuts to Tackle Budget Gap

The Brent Council faces a big budget problem. They need to find £16 million, largely due to housing costs and social care demands.

To fix this, the council will raise taxes and fees. They can increase council tax, business rates, and service charges. It’s hard to show residents value in this climate.

Most money goes to kids in care, and adult social care also needs funds. Homelessness services require funding, too, with over 150 people seeking help weekly.

Raising taxes wasn’t a simple choice, according to the council. Central government cuts caused issues, pushing the council to reorganize to aid the vulnerable.

Roads and pavements might suffer as a consequence. Council tax will rise by 4.99%, with a mayoral increase adding 8.6%. The total increase is 5.8%. Children’s and adult care uses 81% of taxes, funding essential emergency services.

Brent will raise revenue and make cuts next year. They will also show where the money goes.

Council Tax Support changes are happening, requiring everyone to pay something toward council tax, except pensioners. Working-age people now pay a minimum of 35%, with support amounts depending on income. Someone earning under £80 weekly now pays £45.64 monthly, expected to bring in £5 million.

The council once helped many with taxes, but high support levels cannot continue, they said. The council plans to take £5 million from the scheme.

This could cause hardship for some residents and might strain housing services more. The council plans to support affected individuals with £1.5 million allocated for support, and they will monitor individuals’ situations, offering help early.

Waste collection fees will also change, aiming to add £190,000. Bulky waste collection costs rise to £55 from £40, adding an expected £30,000. Garden waste stickers cost £69, up from £65, adding an expected £55,000. Additional bin costs also rise, and replacement bin charges are coming, expected to add £105,000.

The council plans £4.44 million in service cuts, reducing staff and some mental health funding. Councillors’ expenses will be cut by £50,000, and they’ll save £6.5 million with efficiency measures.

Brent Council manages over £700 million, remaining after government funds. They use it to support key things, including prosperity, communities, and the environment. The council’s priorities also include children’s well-being.

A healthier environment means more cash, too. Everyday services get less funding, whilst elderly care is prioritized more. Repairs cost £32.8 million, with elderly care costing £117.9 million.

Schools gain financial support, as the budget helps all students, with £397 million assisting schools. £80.2 million goes toward prosperity, funding housing, tax relief, and job programs.

£4.8 million helps communities thrive. Libraries and arts receive funding, and community projects get £1.5 million.

£32.8 million will help the environment through waste collection funding. Roads and pavements gain £8.2 million.

£441.9 million aids children’s well-being, mostly to schools. Over £44 million creates special education spots.

£146.4 million supports healthier living, mainly helping vulnerable adults. £24.3 million improves health.

The council will keep aiding the vulnerable via support for food, fuel, and finances, and they aim to protect essential services. They will build homes, collect rubbish, clean streets, and ensure children thrive and age well.

The council knows people have tight budgets, and they emphasize that every penny will improve services. Despite challenges, Brent sees a bright future, they said, as the council will finalize the budget soon starting on April 1.

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