Greenwich to vote on increasing council tax by 4.99%

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

Greenwich residents could see their council tax bills rising by 4.99 per cent from April, the maximum amount allowed without a referendum.

The council said in a report that the planned hike comes alongside increasing demands, rising costs and decreasing resources – posing a risk to vulnerable residents in the borough.

Council officers also said events such as the war in Ukraine have “exacerbated” the situation.

In November last year, the Government increased the amount councils could raise taxes to 4.99 per cent, without needing residents to vote in agreement.

This sum includes a 2.99 per cent increase for general council tax and a two per cent increase in adult social care. It is projected an increase will bring an extra £6.7m of income to Greenwich council.

Rents for council housing are also expected to rise by seven per cent, bringing average weekly rental charges to £102.10.

Despite the rise, officers said in council documents that Greenwich was still projected to have the lowest council rents in London. If passed, the rent and council tax increases will come into effect on April 1.

The report said: “The impact of more than a decade of Government austerity has led to the council facing about £150m of pressures over that period, when combined with huge demographic demands and price inflation it is challenging to set a balanced budget for each financial year.”

Under the plans, the council also wants to invest in waste services in the borough. The report said £1.26m will be set aside to staff waste collection services, including employing 25 new truck drivers.

The changes to council tax and planned budget for Greenwich council will be put to a vote at a full council meeting on February 23.

Pictured top: Woolwich Town Hall, where Greenwich Council hold its council meetings (Picture: Joe Coughlan)