As the cost of living crisis continues to create huge pressure on local government, the Council will have to make tough decisions to balance the year’s annual budget. 

Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Cllr Anthony Okereke, said: “The Council will have to make difficult decisions on how we spend our one-year settlement from Central Government. We're committed to using the money we have, to help those most in need and have already seen Council funded programmes offer vital support to residents.  

“We want to continue vital services such as our Advice Hubs who have supported residents with their benefits, housing and concerns over debt. Decisions on our budget have also allowed us to provide £50,000 in direct energy debt relief to those facing fuel poverty. And since April 2021, we have been able to meet the doubled need for Emergency Support Scheme cash payments to residents going through hardship. 

“We know things are hard and we don't want to be asking for more from people, but the harsh reality is that we need our budget to be able to support as many people as possible.” 

Cllr Ivis Williams Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said: “Early this year, Greenwich Foodbank revealed it had already given out 100,000 meals in 2022, surpassing the 92,000 meals given in the entirety of 2021.  

“In order to offer direct support to communities across our borough, assist those who are most impacted by the cost of living crisis, and maintain essential services, it is likely that we will have to increase council tax.” 

Before the Council takes a decision, we’d like to hear your views on how we should set the budget for the coming year.   

The consultation is open until Sunday 5 February.   

Have your say