The Council of the London Borough of Bromley met on Thursday 26 February 2026 to approve the 2026/27 Council Tax, a new Capital Strategy, and the annual Pay Award. Key decisions included setting the Council Tax with a 2.99% increase in the general rate and a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept, approving a £15 million increase to the Capital Programme, and implementing a 4.45% pay rise for council staff.

2026/27 Council Tax

The Council approved the 2026/27 Council Tax, which will see a 2.99% increase in Bromley's General Council Tax and a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept. The Greater London Authority (GLA) precept will increase by 4.10%. The total Band D Council Tax will rise to £2,140.04, an increase of £97.58 or 4.78% from the previous year. This decision was made after two amendments proposed by the Labour group, which sought to introduce changes to the revenue budget and capital programme, and to reduce the qualifying period for the empty homes premium, were both lost.

Capital Strategy 2026/27 to 2029/30 and Q3 Capital Programme Monitoring

The Council approved the Capital Strategy for 2026/27 to 2029/30, which includes an increase of £15 million for new schemes. Additionally, a budget of £71.417 million was approved for the Chipperfield Road site in St Paul's Cray, which will be added to the Capital Programme. This funding is partially supported by an indicative allocation of £27.6 million from the Local Authority Housing Fund 4 (LAHF4) grant programme. An amendment proposed by the Labour group, which sought to alter the capital programme by including the sale of investment properties, the addition of funds for social housing, acquired housing, children's homes, supported living, retirement properties, and road safety, was lost.

Treasury Management Annual Investment Strategy 2026/27 and Quarter 3 Performance 2025/26

The Council noted the Treasury Management performance for the third quarter of 2025/26, with investments totalling £257.2 million as at 31 December 2025 and no external borrowing. The Treasury Management Statement and the Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27, including Prudential Indicators and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement, were adopted.

2026/27 Pay Award

A motion to implement a flat 4.45% pay increase for council staff (excluding teachers) and a 3.2% increase to Merited Rewards was carried. The Trade Unions' pay claim was rejected. An amendment to implement the London Living Wage for all staff was lost.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The Council approved the 2026/27 Pay Policy Statement.

Members Allowances Scheme 2026/27

The Members Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 was approved, including increases to the Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral Allowances, based on a 4.45% rise across all allowances. An amendment to freeze all councillor allowances and reduce the number of portfolio holders was lost.

Committee Appointments

The Council noted the updated proportionality in accordance with political balance rules and made committee appointments based on group nominations. The Director of Corporate Services and Governance was authorised to complete any further committee appointments instructed by each group.

Written Recommendations from the External Auditor

The Council received and accepted three written recommendations from the external auditor, Ernst & Young (EY), following their audit of the 2024/25 accounts. The Council also agreed that officers would conduct a review of the finance function's capacity, with progress to be monitored by the Audit and Risk Management Committee. The Value for Money assessment showed an improvement, with no weaknesses identified in financial sustainability arrangements.