Introducing our Budget for 2012-13

Message from the Leader

Dear Resident,

This booklet offers information on your council tax and the Council’s performance and spending plans. It also explains how you may be able to pay less council tax by being eligible for a discount or exemption or claim council tax benefit.

In 2012-13 we will see the first financial savings from the Tri-borough collaboration with Westminster City Council and the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. We will save around £2 million from sharing senior officers and undertaking major procurements with our neighbours. These savings should rise substantially in subsequent years. This will help us to protect most services to residents and even improve some.

Mindful of the many pressures on household budgets, the Council will freeze council tax for a fourth consecutive year and take advantage of a one-year grant from Government. Despite the financial pressures, the Council continues to make the Royal Borough an even better place to live with a new Academy and rebuilt Leisure Centre in North Kensington and a brand new Holland Park School nearing completion.

Councillor Sir Merrick Cockell

Leader of the Council