Budget proposals set to be considered

Proposals to save £16 million while protecting the services that matter most to residents are set to be debated by Brent’s Cabinet on 10 February.

Councils across the country, particularly those in London, are facing extreme funding pressures this year following cuts to central government funding since 2010. Brent is not immune to these challenges, with an aging population, cost of living and housing crises resulting in spiraling demand for statutory services like social care and homelessness support.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council said: “We are facing an extremely challenging financial situation, which leaves us with tough choices to make. On top of £218m of cuts made since 2010, a further £16 million must be saved in 2025-26 to balance the books.

“I believe that this budget gets the right balance between delivering the services that matter most to residents and making the savings we need to keep the council’s finances on a sustainable path.”

One of the proposals being reviewed, to generate £5 million worth of savings, is to bring the Council Tax Support Scheme, which is one of the most generous in the capital, more into line with other London councils. The council will continue to support nearly 17,000 households through the scheme, which includes covering 65% of the council tax bills for 12,402 working age households. Eligible pensions will continue to a 100% discount off their council tax.

If the budget is approved by Full Council, £800,000 will go to projects including an upgrade to Kilburn Library, with a further £400,000 towards improving the Gladstone Park sports pitch and other parks and green open spaces across the borough. All of these improvements will play a big role in supporting residents with their health and wellbeing.

The full details of the proposed budget can be found on the council’s website.