Brent Council to increase council tax by maximum rate

Brent Council has announced it will raise council tax by 4.99% – the maximum possible increase without a referendum.

A budget meeting took place on Monday 23 February where counsellors formally announced the decision.

Despite the tax hike, the council reported a budget shortfall of £10.4 million.

The North West Londoner went to Kilburn and spoke to Rachel, 19, a beautician, and Crystal, 35, a full-time mum.

The pair were critical of the council and suggested that the investment from the tax rise would be neither visible nor tangible. 

Crystal said: “Nobody sees it [the funding]. Communities don’t see it. Youth centres see nothing, too.”

Both Rachel and Crystal said that they had no confidence in the local government.

“We can’t get through to them,” said Rachel. “Everything falls on deaf ears.”

Crystal added that the tax rise would affect her personally, saying: “We’re struggling to pay for anything.”  

Brent is one of the most underprivileged boroughs of London. 

The 33% poverty rate and 41% child poverty rate exceed the boroughs’ average of 26% and 35% respectively.

8.2% of its residents are unemployed, while 22.6% of those with jobs are low-paid. 

Thanks to the increase, Band D taxpayers will now pay £42.99 of council tax a week, which amounts to £2,235.27 a year.

Wandsworth residents pay less than half this sum – £990.07 a year – although rent and house prices are much higher in the south west borough. 

Nevertheless, Brent ranks highly for affordable, social and discounted housing compared to the rest of the capital.

Councillor Mili Patel, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and resources at Brent Council, said: “As well as protecting essential services with this budget, we’ve invested an extra £27 million to improve daily life for residents. 

“From planting trees, to fixing potholes, upgrading parks, installing new CCTV cameras and revamping spaces for young people.

“We remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our community and the council runs two excellent support schemes that do just that. 

Families who are struggling with their bills can apply to Brent’s Council Tax Support Scheme and Residents’ Support Fund.”

The tax rise will come into force on 6 April, the start of the financial year.

Featured image credit: Brent Council website