KC the latest borough to seek out public opinion ahead of budget

People are being asked if they agree on council spending proposals in Kensington and Chelsea for 2025/26.

Consultation has begun to capture public opinion on how the council plans to manage its finances next year, with events and an online survey open for responses until January 10, 2025.

Earlier this week, Greenwich council also announced it was going to canvas residents about spending.

Kensington and Chelsea says it is committed on becoming a greener, safer and fairer borough with investment in retrofitting council-owned buildings to reach carbon net zero, enhancing resident experience with new technology and delivering on a new social homes programme.

This year, the authority has simplified the budget consultation to encourage more people to take part. Responders can comment on changes to fees and charges at the same time as the budget proposals in one simple online form, making it easier for residents to have their say.

The council’s leadership team agreed to take forward the draft budget proposals for 2025/26 following a meeting last Wednesday.

Councillor Johnny Thalassites, lead member for finance, said: “These are extremely challenging times for local government finance. We are not in the dire straits that some of our peers are in, but we are preparing to make some difficult decisions because we are still looking at a significant budget gap of up to £40 million over the next four years.

“Despite these pressures, we are determined to make positive changes to the borough. That is why we are building new social homes, delivering energy efficiency improvements to schools and community centres, and continuing to keep taxes low and minimise costs for residents.

“We need the help of people who live and work in the borough to set a budget that reflects the needs of our communities. We need to spend wisely, make savings and continue to support our most vulnerable to make the borough a thriving place to live, work and enjoy.”

A significant reason for the £40m budget gap is coming from the need for temporary accommodation. In the recent Autumn Budget, Government announced £233 million to help councils tackle homelessness. However, councils in London alone are spending £1 billion a year on temporary accommodation.

Council leader Elizabeth Campbell said: “The Government’s announcements on finance for temporary accommodation are welcome, but they do not touch the sides of the black hole local government is facing in its finances. Without institutional investment now and a long-term funding settlement, the sector will not bear the weight for much longer.”

The council’s budget consultation for 2025/26 is now live and is available HERE.

Picture: Pixabay/Mohamed Hassan