Angry bill payers who are being forced to pay an increase in council tax should blame the government, according to Bromley Council.

As reported earlier this week – council tax in Bromley is rising by 4.21 per cent, which equates to an extra £58.67 a year.

Average Band D homes will pay £1,452.71 per year as opposed to the £1,394.04 they currently contribute.

However, council leader Colin Smith believes central government is accountable.

He said: “As we face up to the further significant funding reductions which lay ahead, along with cost pressures such as inflation, care for the elderly and homelessness, it remains clear that the severity of challenges we face, simply cannot be underestimated.

“The key challenge facing future years’ budgets remains the balance between spending, council tax levels, investment, charges for services, and service reductions in a council handicapped by starting from a low spending base.

“As I have pledged since I first took over as leader, I intend to continue to lobby tirelessly for a better funding deal from government for Bromley residents, and I am pleased to confirm that this campaign is now firmly underway.”

Councillor Smith told News Shopper this week that there is a financial disparity between boroughs in inner and outer London.

“What on earth are Lewisham spending all that extra money on?” he asked as an example.

You can read the Lewisham Mayor's response here.