Grenfell council plans to raise taxes

The council dealing with the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire is planning to increase council tax by the maximum amount as it continues to face pressures relating to the blaze.

Kensington and Chelsea Council is to vote on proposals to increase council tax by the maximum amount of 2.99 per cent for the from April due to “rising costs and inflation”. There are also plans to top up charges with money ringfenced for social care by the maximum 3 per cent in order to meet “significant additional expenditure” for Grenfellrelated adult social care. The proposals were set out in a financial report approved by the leadership team last night. It will go before the full council for a vote on March 7.

If accepted, it will be the second increase in council tax since it was frozen in the 2009/10 financial year.

The report, by director of finance Chris Buss, noted: “Much uncertainty exists around the cost of undergoing support for former residents and others affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. “These combined with other liabilities which may arise represent a major and persistent risk to the council’s finances.”