Bromley could raise council tax by 4.99%

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

Bromley residents could see a 4.99 per cent rise in their council tax bill from this year, the maximum amount allowed without a referendum.

The council said the tax hike plans were due to inflation rises and increased cost pressures for the authority.

Last November, the Government increased the amount local authorities could legally raise taxes without residents having to vote in agreement.

The amount of 4.99 per cent includes a 2.99 per cent increase for general council tax, as well as a two per cent increase in adult social care.

Council documents said the proposed council tax increase would save the authority £9m.

Council officers said in their report that local government authorities had “borne the brunt of austerity” from 2009 to 2020, and predicted it could take more than a decade for UK public finances to return to normal.

They also said that additional funding for NHS services in future years could lead to less money being spent on local government.

Officers also said Bromley council had received the second lowest amount of government funding in relation to its population out of all London boroughs for the 2023/24 year.

Council documents said if the plans are approved, Bromley will have the third lowest council tax in outer London, despite the planned hike.

The proposed increase is planned to remain until 2025, and then it is predicted to drop to 2.99 per cent.

Despite the rise, a £29.6m deficit is still projected for 2027, which was partially attributed to previous reductions in government funding.

The rise will be discussed at a full council meeting on Monday.

Pictured top: Bromley Civic Centre, where Bromley council’s headquarters are based (Picture: Google Street View)