Council tax in Kingston is set to go up by the maximum possible 4.99 per cent this year.

That’s the biggest increase that can be made without the council holding a referendum.

This means the average Band D property council tax set by the council for 2021/22 will be £1,693.57.

This is in addition to the Mayor of London’s draft budget proposals – which includes a further £363.66 for Band D properties.

The council draft budget for 2021/22 will be going to all the strategic committees before it is presented at full council on February 25.

The Mayor’s budget proposals are also subject to parliamentary approval of amended referendum limits.

Council leader, Caroline Kerr, said she understood “any increase in council tax will impact residents”, but stressed the council “must protect the services people rely on and continue to provide the support our most vulnerable residents need.”

She added: “From receiving £66m in general government grant in 2010 we now receive nothing. Almost 90 per cent of the council’s budget comes from council tax and business rates. At a time when we are facing an increase in demand and a loss of income because of the pandemic, we have no choice but to raise council tax.

“We are putting our finances in a position that means we can support those who need us most and shape a better future for Kingston and its residents.”

Opposition Leader, Conservative Kevin Davis, tweeted in response to the proposed increase: “Council tax up another four per cent. But what are we actually getting for our money? More staff, more charges for services, flogging off assets for development, shutting the public out of decision making. More will emerge over the coming weeks.”

The budget proposals show that the council needs to make savings of £7.415m this year.

The papers show the proposed closure of the public toilets in the Rose, Blagdon Road, Cattle Market and Bittoms Car Park, to save on management and cleansing costs.

The move to cashless parking is also expected to save £40,000, while a review of the library services is expected to save £40,000 in 2021/22 and a further £60,000 in 2022/23. 

However, there is some growth and investment this year.

The proposals include £60,000 for a Climate Change Officer to deliver on the council’s climate emergency programme and action plan, as well as funding to plant 2,000 street trees. 

The proposed increase in council tax means Kingston will continue to have some of the highest council tax rates in the country. 

The council papers stressed the uncertainty of the current financial context, including years of short term spending reviews from government, as well as the significant pressures of the coronavirus pandemic and the unknown impact of Brexit. 

The council’s overspend and shortfall of funding within the Dedicated Schools Grant for children with special educational needs or disabilities still remains a significant challenge. 

The cumulative deficit in this area is estimated to be over £25m by March 31, placing a considerable strain on the council’s financial sustainability.