Cllr. Stephen Carr, Leader of the Council

Council tax in Bromley will rise by 0 94% in 2010/11 – the lowest increase since council tax was introduced – in a move that equates to a real terms cut. Bromley also retains its title of lowest Council Tax in Outer London*.

Plans to implement a Council Tax freeze were derailed by the government reneging on a deal on the funding of Freedom Passes next year, which will cost the borough over £1.2m.

In addition to the core budget, an extra £1m has been set aside to tackle various environmental issues round the borough, as well as a £250k “community chest” for the voluntary sector and local community investment and another £250k to tackle the effects on roads and pavements of the exceptionally adverse winter.

Conservative Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Carr, said: “This is a budget that represents value for money in the current economic climate, while continuing to reflect residents’ needs and hopes for the future. Despite ongoing under funding by central government, and outright grant cuts in some cases, previous sound financial management means we are able to continue to invest in Building a Better Bromley.

Among other things 2010/11 will see:
•    the opening of a new library and leisure complex in Biggin Hill
•    completion of a state of the art extra care housing scheme in Bromley Common
•    improvements to Orpington High Street and relocation of the library to a more modern, central location in the town
•    investment in our schools including plans to enhance facilities and establish a first class performance space at Langley Park School for Boys in Beckenham

But with pressure on public spending set to build, we cannot be complacent. We’ll continue to drive through money saving efficiencies, campaign for a fairer funding settlement and listen to residents as we plan ahead and endeavour to keep council tax as low as possible.”

Cabinet member for Resources, Cllr. Neil Reddin, added, “As part of our budget setting, we have found over £6m of savings with a minimal effect on frontline services. We now expect to be in a position to freeze Council Tax in the next two years, should a Conservative government be elected in the General Election.”

* Using the official definition of “Outer London” as classified by the Office for National Statistics.