Brent’s Full Council approved the final budget for 2024-25 yesterday (29 February). The budget, shaped in collaboration with residents and Brent’s Scrutiny Committee, sets the council’s spending priorities for the year ahead.
Despite the challenging times facing councils up and down the country, including in Brent, I am proud that your council has successfully set a balanced budget for another year
It has not been easy, and difficult decisions have had to be made, however, challenges can come with opportunities, and we are doing all in our power to find ways of making the money we do have go as far as possible. This year, we will spend £31.4m towards delivering 1,700 new safe and secure homes by 2028 and £3.4m connecting people with new jobs and giving people of all ages opportunities to develop their skills.
£1.5m will go towards community projects to empower local people and community groups to improve their neighbourhoods and £21.6m will go on collecting rubbish and recycling from 127,974 homes and keeping our streets clean. We will spend £397m funding Brent’s schools, 97% of which are good or outstanding. We will also spend £44m creating 427 new school places for children with special educational needs.
The biggest portion of our budget, £117.9m, will support over 4,600 elderly and vulnerable residents with vital social care support and we will spend a further £24.3m on improving people’s health and wellbeing, including reducing the causes of ill-health so people can live long and happy lives.
To set a balanced budget and achieve these ambitions, the council has made the difficult decision to increase council tax by 4.99%, with 2% ringfenced to support residents with adult social care needs. To support those least able to pay, we will continue to invest in one of the most generous council tax support schemes in London – providing £34m of support to more than 26,000 households. We will also invest another £1m to help those struggling with bills or paying for essentials through the Resident Support Fund.
This budget reflects our unwavering commitment to building a brighter future for Brent. We are investing in our residents, equipping them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Together, we can navigate any challenges that come our way and create a vibrant and supportive community for everyone, where we are all proud to call Brent home
Cost of living support
Read the full budget for 2024-25
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