Haringey Council has backed a rise in council tax, but confirmed the money will not be used to save day centres for adults with disabilities and dementia
As part of national rules, councils can increase their council tax by two percent in order to help fund adult social care.
Haringey Council voted to take advantage of this allowance as it passed its 2016/2017 budget.
Councillors said funds will go towards individual care packages for vulnerable adults in the borough to help meet rising demand in an ageing population.
Cllr Jason Arthur, cabinet member for resources and culture, described the “pernicious effect” government cuts have had on local authority budgets.
“The context is harsh and the challenges great,” he said. “It’s not our fault that the budget has been cut so severely.”
Birkbeck Road Day Centre in Hornsey, Always Day Centre near Muswell Hill, the Roundway Centre, the Grange Day Centre and the Haven Day Centre will close as part of cost-saving measures to make £70million of budget cuts.
The council expect to raise £1.7m from the council tax precept and say it will add £23.64 to a Band D council tax bill.
- For the full story, see this week’s Broadway edition.
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