Bromley could see four per cent council tax increase next year (From News Shopper)

Bromley could see four per cent council tax increase next year

8:19am Thursday 8th December 2011 in Top Stories By Robert Fisk

A COUNCIL tax increase of four per cent could be on the cards in Bromley for next year to help stop the ‘doom and gloom’.

During the series of public meetings across the borough last month the top councillors have answered questions about Bromley’s finances and listened as residents have suggested ways to save £30m over the next three years.

And speaking at the final meeting, which was held at Citygate Church in Beckenham, the portfolio holder for resources Councillor Graham Arthur said: “Is it all doom and gloom?

“Yes, pretty much.

“When we have to find our savings we have to look at very key services.

“[But] it’s about sharing our services and it is about being really creative.

“There are signs of innovative thinking that are extremely exciting across the borough.”

Suggestions of a one per cent council tax increase were too radical for people gathered at the first meeting in the Civic Centre, Bromley, on November 8.

But at the event held at Citygate Church, Rectory Road, Beckenham, on November 28 there was overwhelming support for a four per cent increase.

In a show of hands, the vast majority of people put up their hands when asked whether they would be in favour of such a rise.

Council leader Councillor Stephen Carr said: “We are very grateful and I’m learning things tonight.

“We are going to have less money to spend and we are determined to defend frontline services to vulnerable people.”

He added: “Everything members of public have said today will be noted and considered.

“Hopefully you will understand the pressures that the council is under.”