Council tax freeze passed at Havering full council

Council tax will be frozen after budget and special responsibility allowance proposals were passed at full council last night, with all amendments rejected.

After a well-mannered debate at Havering Town Hall, councillors voted convincingly in favour of the freeze, with only four opposing the idea.

There were notable absentees at what was described as one of “the most important council meetings of the year” by deputy leader Cllr Michael Armstrong (Conservative, Pettits), amongst others.

The Independent Residents’ Group had no representatives present, while Cllr Damian White (Conservative, Hylands) arrived more than two hours late.

As a result they missed out on leader of the opposition Cllr Clarence Barrett (Residents’ Group, Cranham) proposing £450,000 worth of amendements to the budget proposal, which included reducing the number of councillors who receive special responsiblity allowances (SRA), and the amount they receive.

Council leader, Cllr Steven Kelly (Conservative, Emerson Park) praised the council after the fifth consecutive freeze in council tax.

He added: “10 years ago this borough was on its knees and now it is one of the best in the country.”

Cllr Keith Darvill (Labour, Heaton) also offered “modest” amendments which were not supported.