Council Tax letter to residents

Dear Resident,

Sutton Council, like all councils nationwide, is under huge financial pressure. Despite this we have successfully balanced this year's budget. 

This means we've been able to avoid some of the drastic steps other councils have taken. To achieve this, we’ve had to make tough decisions, and I want to explain why. 

Most of the Council's budget is spent on older people and children needing care, children with special educational needs, and those who become homeless. The number of people requiring this support, and the cost of providing it, has shot up over recent years. 

These services now account for 65% of the Council’s budget and is what most of your council tax pays for. The funding we receive from the Government to deliver these and other services has also been reduced by £17 million in real terms. Therefore, we have been left with no choice but to raise council tax.
 
We know that many in Sutton are struggling with the cost of living and we haven’t made this decision lightly. On average, you will pay an extra £1.63 per week in council tax. The Mayor of London is also asking for an extra 37 pence via the Greater London Authority Charge. This makes a total increase of £2 per week. 

As Leader of the Council I will stand up for Sutton. We will continue to use our resources wisely and deliver efficient, reliable services. In the coming year, we will launch a new waste and street cleaning contract, maintain our award-winning parks and open spaces, and keep all eight of our libraries open.

Standing up for Sutton and building a sustainable future is our priority.

Yours faithfully,

Yours faithfully,
Councillor Barry Lewis
Leader of Sutton Council

View a full breakdown of how your council tax is spent in Sutton. If you need assistance please call 020 8770 5000 and select option 1.