Flats or Houses to rent or buy in the London Borough of Brent

For specific information on this borough, or to contact individual departments please click here to visit their website.

London Borough of Brent: http://www.brent.gov.uk

In General:
The London boroughs are administrative centres responsible for collecting local taxes (Council Tax and Business Rates) and then spending the funds received on local services. They are run by Borough Councils who are elected by borough residents on a four year cycle. The totals that they spend will depend on the rates of tax that they levy plus funds allocated from central government and other sources.

While many of the services (schools, roads, planning, rubbish collection and social services) are standard, levels of provision will vary according to the overall political will as expressed by the voters.

Your tax liability (as a resident) will be based on the council tax band of your home. These bands are set by Valuation Officers and there is scope for appeal. The rate bands are then used to determine the amounts of tax levied. So, while the bands will remain largely constant the levels of tax can go up and, in theory, down.

You may claim discounts or exemptions based on your circumstances. For example, as the only adult in a property you can get a 25% reduction on your bill. Other reductions are available for qualifying second adults and Council Tax Benefit claimants.

There is more information available at the HM Customs & Excise website.

The borough of Brent has two distinct characters. To the west lie the suburban, Victorian streets of Bronsdesbury and Willesden Green and the 1930's semis of Neasden and Dollis Hill. To the east, Brent is firmly "inner city" with row upon row of Victorian terraces in abundance in Kilburn and Queens Park. One of London's most multi cultural boroughs, with over half its population from an ethnic minority, Brent has shaken its 1980's "loony left" label and is growing ever more popular with those who can't afford the sky high prices of neighbouring Kensington and Maida Vale.