The Council met on Monday 26 February 2024 to discuss and approve the Council Tax for the upcoming financial year, alongside other key financial and policy matters. A significant decision made was the approval of the 2024/25 Council Tax, which includes a 2.99% increase in Bromley's General Council Tax and a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept, resulting in an overall 5.84% increase for Band D properties when combined with the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept. The Council also approved the 2024/25 pay award for staff, implementing a 3% increase and rejecting the Trade Union's pay claim.

2024/25 Council Tax Approved

The Council formally set the Council Tax for the 2024/25 financial year, approving a 2.99% increase in Bromley's General Council Tax and a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept. This decision was made following extensive debate and the defeat of two proposed amendments. The first amendment, moved by Councillor Simon Jeal, sought to approve changes to the revenue and capital budgets, including funding for a children's home, an adult care home, and a social housing scheme on the Civic Centre site. The second amendment, moved by Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross, proposed changes to the revenue budget including a business rate levy adjustment, a contribution from the Invest to Save reserve, and the implementation of a Council Tax second home premium from 2025/26. Both amendments were lost.

The final Council Tax for a Band D property will be £1,949.71, representing a 5.84% increase overall, which includes an 8.58% rise in the GLA precept. Councillor Christopher Marlow and Councillor Colin Smith moved the recommendations of the Executive, which were carried by 36 votes to 12, with 7 abstentions.

Capital Strategy and Programme Approved

The Council approved the Capital Strategy for 2024/25 to 2027/28, which includes an increase of £2,477,000 for new schemes to be added to the Capital Programme. This was moved by Councillor Christopher Marlow and seconded by Councillor Yvonne Bear, and was carried. The approved new schemes include £567,000 for the replacement of a footbridge in Kelsey Park, £1,000,000 for the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off, and £910,000 for Local Highways Maintenance, funded by new monies from the Department for Transport.

Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy Adopted

The Council adopted the Treasury Management Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2024/25. This includes the Prudential Indicators for the period 2024/25 to 2026/27 and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement. The motion was moved by Councillor Christopher Marlow and seconded by Councillor Colin Smith, and was carried. The report noted that the Council's investment performance for the third quarter of 2023/24 was positive, with investments totalling £370.1m.

2024/25 Pay Award Approved

A motion to approve a flat 3% pay increase for Council staff for 2024/25 was carried. This includes the removal of equivalent spinal points 9-11 (affecting grade BR3) with assimilation to equivalent spinal point 12 (BR4), and a 3% increase to Merited Rewards, bringing the total to £412,000. The Trade Union pay claim was rejected. An amendment moved by Councillor Josh King, which proposed an hourly rate increase to £13.15 in line with the London Living Wage and an additional £500 award for staff from grades BR4 to BR8, was lost. Councillor Pauline Tunnicliffe moved the motion, seconded by Councillor Colin Hitchins.

Pay Policy Statement and Members' Allowances Scheme Approved

The 2024/25 Pay Policy Statement was approved, as moved by Councillor Pauline Tunnicliffe and seconded by Councillor Colin Hitchins. Additionally, the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2024/25 was approved, including a 3% increase in line with the proposed increase for officers. The Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral Allowances were also increased by 3% to £16,946 and £4,157 respectively. This motion was also moved by Councillor Pauline Tunnicliffe and seconded by Councillor Colin Hitchins.

Mayor's Announcements

The Mayor, Councillor Mike Botting, thanked Members for their attendance at recent events and reminded them of forthcoming events. The meeting concluded at 9.23 pm.