Key information
Request reference number: MGLA300322-8160
Date of response:
Summary of request
Your request
I would like proof of where GLA resident's Council Tax payments are spent.
- I would like to see the previous three years of receipts for where the GLA Council Tax funding is being spent. I do not want to see percentages but proof in pounds (£s) as to where the GLA annual Council Tax is being spent.
- I would like to know if my GLA Council Tax funds the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Transport for London, schools, waste collection, housing and GLA. If so, I would like to know as to what percentage it is distributed.
- Which law states that GLA Council Tax must be paid?
- Which law states that it is a criminal offence not to pay GLA Council Tax?
- Please attach a copy of the contract where I agreed to pay GLA Council Tax.
Our response
Please see the current and previous GLA annual budgets. Each budget includes a breakdown of the GLA Council Tax precept by functional body. A snapshot of the latest approved budget for the 2022-23 financial year is set out below:
Please note, the GLA’s expenditure is externally audited. The latest set of audited accounts relates to 2020-21. Further information can be found on the GLA website.
The GLA Council Tax precept funds the GLA Mayor, London Assembly, Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Transport for London. Responsibility for schools, housing and waste collection are the responsibility of your London borough.
The GLA precept 2022-23 was allocated across the GLA Group as follows:
*For 2022-23 the government agreed that the GLA could increase its precept by £20 to support the ongoing financial viability of TfL. This percentage increase includes that amount. If this amount is excluded, the GLA’s overall percentage reduces to 5.4% and TfL’s percentage would increase to 9.4%.
Central government sets the legislation that determines that Council Tax must be paid, and your local authority implements the legislation on the government’s behalf. The key legislation regarding Council Tax is contained within The Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992.
You may wish to view more detailed information regarding Council Tax, including how you may appeal and seek reductions on your current council tax bill.
If you have a dispute regarding whether you are required to pay Council Tax, this should be raised with your London borough (the local billing authority). You will be able to find their contact details within your Council Tax billing information or via the Council Tax section of their website.
If you have any further questions relating to this matter, please contact us, quoting reference MGLA300322-8160.