Bromley Council’s leader has warned the borough's tax payers to expect bigger bills as services are axed under a tough financial squeeze.

In an open letter to residents, Councillor Stephen Carr warned that the council has to make dramatic changes, including a rise in council tax and cuts to services.

Councillor Carr said the local authority has to save more than £60 million over the next four years from an annual net budget of just over £200 million.

He urged residents to take part in an online survey before December 7 to make senior councillors aware of residents’ priorities before difficult decisions are made.

Councillor Carr said: "A much smaller council will mean we will all have to do things in a different way.

"Taking more responsibility within our families and communities so that those who need our services most will be able to get the help they need.

"It will inevitably come down to a combination of paying more council tax and ceasing to provide some services."

He said the council would continue to try to maximise income and argue strongly for a fairer government funding deal for the borough.

Public meetings are being held on November 20 at Orpington Methodist Church from 7pm to 8.30pm and November 28 at Bromley Civic Centre from 11am to 12.30pm.

All residents are welcome to attend to hear more about the changes.

The survey is available at www.bromley.gov.uk/OurbudgetYourviews.