Brent’s draft budget proposals for 2025/26 have been published and are set to be discussed by the council’s Cabinet on 12 November.
Councils across the country are facing unprecedented financial challenges, caused by high inflation, rapidly increasing demand for services and the legacy of austerity budget cuts by central government since 2010.
London Councils estimates that that the capitals’ local authorities will overspend on their original budget plans by more than £600 million in 2024/25.
Brent is not immune to these pressures. Its adult social care bill is expensive and getting more so every year because of an ageing population. The borough is also facing soaring levels of homelessness, with around 150 new families or individuals presenting as homeless most weeks.
On top of £222 million of cuts made since 2010, a further £16 million must be saved in 2025-26 to balance the books.
The council has pulled together budget proposals which aim to protect the services residents rely on most as far as possible, as well as protecting the organisation’s longstanding healthy financial position.
Brent’s Cabinet is set to discuss the budget proposals on Tuesday 12 November. Subject to the Cabinet’s agreement to proceed, a consultation will give local people the opportunity to have their say.
