At a meeting of Full Council last night (28 February), Councillors agreed to spend £292.6m on schools and £85.4m on Health and Adults in 2018/19.

Other key spending areas include Children's Services, which has been allocated £79.5m and Communities and Environment which will receive £39.1m, enabling the Council to continue to provide a weekly refuse collection and take tough action on fly-tippers.

Meeting rising needs and costs

This year will see Council Tax rates rise following encouragement from central government. Due to the spiralling adult social care crisis, the Government has asked local authorities to raise Council Tax by three per cent to meet rising needs and costs.

A further 2.99 per cent rise will support homelessness and inflationary pressures at a time when the number of households living in temporary accommodation in the Borough has doubled in the past four years.

'Protect vital front line services'

Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Cllr Denise Hyland said: "Improving our town centres and tackling litter and fly-tipping remains our top priority for 2018-19, reflecting what our residents have told us matters most to them.

"Despite our best efforts we cannot continue to offer value for money services in the face of sustained cuts imposed by Central Government. With this in mind, we have had no choice but to raise Council Tax to protect vital front line services including those which support children and vulnerable adults."

Get in touch for support

The Royal Borough of Greenwich offers a range of options and support for those who may be experiencing financial hardship. Anyone who is concerned is advised to get in touch to find out more about the options and support available for those experiencing financial hardship.

Our Council Tax pages have more information about reductions, exemptions, second adult rebate, discretionary Council Tax relief, how to register a change in circumstances or arrange to pay by Direct Debit.