Barking and Dagenham council tax could be raised next year by 4.99%

Barking and Dagenham Council is considering raising council tax by 4.99 per cent next year to help cope with 'severe' financial pressures such as in children's and adult services. The 4.99 per cent increase would include 2 per cent that is ring-fenced for social care, which would add around £1.47 onto the average band D property from next April - excluding the GLA's (Greater London Authority) share of council tax.

Earlier this month the council forecast a budget overspend of £17.2 million by the end of this year which it said had partially been caused by increased demand and a rise in costs bought on by inflation. The council says the borough's population growth, which now has 33,000 more residents compared to 10 years ago, has also increased demand for services.

Additionally Barking and Dagenham is one of the most deprived boroughs in London, and demand for services has also increased because more residents are experiencing hardship and financial insecurity due to the cost of living crisis. Council leader, Dominic Twomey said the council was facing a severe squeeze on its finances, and went on to say for every £10 the council spends, around £7 is spent on adult and children's care.

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Cllr Twomey went on to say: "As things get more challenging with reduced resources, we’re leaving no stone unturned to streamline how we do things, innovate and prioritise essential services such as social care to support local people. But we will need to make some tough decisions to balance our budget over the coming months, and we will consider all options."

He added: "We know this will be difficult for residents and it’s not a decision we want to take. But without more council tax we will be unable to deliver the public services residents depend on such as street cleansing, waste collections or libraries, and of course care and support for the most vulnerable in our society."

Residents are being asked for their opinions on the council's budget proposals for 2025/26 and have until January 15, next year to share their views, which they can respond to here. On Wednesday, December 11, Cllr Twomey and Cllr Maureen Worby will be hosting a budget Q&A live on Facebook between 6pm and 7pm.

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