Support for residents for new council budget
Kensington & Chelsea Council is set to approve one of the lowest council tax increases in the country while offering financial support to low-income residents as part of its budget for the upcoming financial year.
Council tax in the borough is expected to rise by 4%, comprising a 2% general tax increase and a 2% social care precept—one percentage point lower than the maximum allowable increase of 4.99%. This means that residents in an average Band D property, excluding Garden Squares, will see their council tax rise from £1,037.58 to £1,079.08, an increase of £41.50 per year—less than £1 per week. Kensington and Chelsea will continue to have one of the lowest Band D council tax rates in the country.
To assist those facing financial hardship, the Council is proposing a one-off £50 support payment in the spring for approximately 15,000 low-income households. Additionally, free school meals for eligible children will be extended beyond term time, and the council tax reduction scheme will remain in place to help those struggling with payments.
Over the next three years, the Council plans to invest £195.6 million in housing, schools, highways, transport, and public spaces. A further £350.1 million will be allocated for improvements to council housing estates.
The Council is proposing to allocate £677 million to the day-to-day running of essential services, including weekly bin collections, enforcement, and street cleaning. Rising costs in services such as children’s and adult social care, housing, and temporary accommodation have been factored into the budget planning.
The Council’s Leadership Team will meet on Wednesday 12 February 2025 to discuss and agree on the budget priorities. The final budget will then be presented to Full Council for approval on Wednesday 5 March 2025.
The full budget and council tax report will be available on the Council’s website in the coming weeks.
For more updates on Kensington & Chelsea, visit EyeOnLondon Kensington & Chelsea.
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