| The council agreed its budget for the year ahead at our Full Council meeting yesterday evening (Feb 27). The average council tax for 2025/26 is ÂŁ41.02 per week, based on a band D property. You can read more about the details here.
Despite the extremely challenging financial situation facing councils across the country, including Brent, I am proud that we have successfully set a balanced budget for another year.
Setting a budget in times of financial crisis is never easy and we know many of you are struggling, rising costs, pressure on families, and the daily challenges of making ends meet weigh heavily on us, that’s why our priority has been to protect those in need and vulnerable.
As part of this, we are allocating ÂŁ1.5million towards a hardship fund to support those people most in need creating a lifeline for our neighbours in crisis.
Our investment into supporting young people to get the best start in life will continue through funding for our top-performing schools, Family Wellbeing Centres, and Holiday Activity and Food programmes.
Let’s be clear fly-tipping is a betrayal of our community. This week, I joined our enforcement team to sift through piles of rotting waste, broken furniture, and even hazardous materials dumped illegally in our streets. It’s not just an eyesore—it’s a health risk, an environmental disaster, and a slap in the face to every resident who takes pride in Brent. To those responsible: your actions harm us all, and we will hold you accountable. When we get the evidence, we will fine you.
Our popular community skips initiative are returning to a street near you in March! If you have an old sofa, washing machine or anything similar, you can get rid of this for FREE and donate any reusable items to people who need them, which helps others and is great for the environment. Check out your nearest community skip days here.
Finally, Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslim residents celebrating this holy month. I hope that this month of fasting, prayer and self-reflection brings many blessings!
Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council |
