Have your say on Brent’s draft budget 2023/24 proposals

You are invited to have your say on Brent Council’s draft budget proposals for 2023/24.

Like many local authorities, over the past ten years Brent has faced increasing financial pressures caused by central Government funding cuts and rising demand for the services the council provides.

By streamlining its workforce and using new technology and modern ways of working, the council has successfully balanced its budget over the years – saving around £200million.

However, rapidly rising inflation, which is driving up the cost of goods, services, supplies and running buildings too, has meant the council’s budget is now under more pressure than ever before.

The budget gap for the 2023/24 financial year means £18million of savings are needed to balance the books.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “In Brent, we face a constant balancing act between the many challenges we face. Drafting a balanced budget during a period of such instability, when every week brings a different unknown to respond to, has not been easy.

“Finding more savings now on top of the £200million already delivered since 2010 is incredibly difficult.

“Despite the challenges and uncertainty across the UK, Brent Council will always take decisions to ensure that no one is left behind.

“This draft budget prioritises the most vulnerable in our community, provides help and support through the cost of living crisis and protects essential services that people depend upon as much as possible. Even just to maintain some of these essential services, we still need to make savings elsewhere in the council.

“Please read the draft budget and have your say as we need Brent residents to be active participants in helping us to prioritise where savings should be made.”

On 17 November, the Government announced that councils could increase Council Tax by up to 4.99%. This decision came after the draft budget 2023/24 had been agreed, however the council is now consulting on proposals to increase Council Tax in Brent by 4.99% with 2% ringfenced for adult social care. This would help protect essential services and provide much needed growth and stability in the budget. As always, Brent’s £32 million Council Tax Support Scheme would continue to provide financial support for residents who need help to pay their Council Tax.

Read the draft budget to find out more about the proposals and have your say by 31 January.