Public consultation begins on the local authority’s 2023/24 budget proposal, reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

Hendon Town Hall (credit Steve Cadman/Wikimedia Commons)

Residents are being invited to have their say on Barnet Council’s budget plans for next year – including a proposed 3.8% tax hike.

The council has launched a consultation on its tax and spending plans for 2023/24, warning it faces “unprecedented funding pressures in the face of rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis”.

It plans to raise an extra £7.8million by increasing general council tax by 1.8% and raising the precept used to fund adult social care by 2%. The proposals would push up bills for band D property owners in the borough by £51.32 next year.

The proposed hike – which comes after the government allowed local authorities to increase the amount of council tax they raise without holding a referendum – has been criticised by the Conservative opposition group, which accused the Labour administration of breaking a pledge to refund this year’s 1% rise in the social care precept. Labour has insisted the refund is going ahead, pointing out that the council is not increasing tax by the maximum 5% allowed under the new powers.

Despite already saving more than £213m since 2010 following significant cuts to its grant funding, the council plans to save a further £11.8m during the next financial year in order to balance the books.

Proposals include saving £3m on the adults and care budget, partly by providing opportunities for increased independence for those with learning disabilities and mental health needs. The council has also revealed plans to save £1.1m on the children, education and safeguarding budget, including by raising extra income from an early intervention parenting hub service.

The council says that despite the “significant” budget pressures it remains “committed to delivering services that help and support our residents” and will “continue to aim to create a better borough” for all communities.

The budget consultation will run until 4th February. Residents can find out more details on the proposals and how to provide feedback here.

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