The cut forms part of the Greater London Authority’s draft 2014/15 budget which has been published for consultation.
Although Council Tax is collected and mostly set by local councils, a small precept is set by the Mayor. Under next year’s proposed budget the precept for a Band D household will be reduced from £303.00 to £299.00 a year.
Mr Johnson’s office say the budget provides sufficient cash to maintain public services, provide 2,600 more police officers by 2016 and invest in the transport network while also protecting Londoners “from tax increases”.
In the current financial year the Mayor has approved plans to cut the number of police front counters and close fire stations in a bid to modernise the capital’s essential services while cutting costs.
To fund his policies for the year ahead, Mr Johnson is requiring his agencies, which include Transport for London and the Met Police, to make a further £325 million in savings.
A copy of the budget will be sent to all 32 London Borough Councils and the Corporation of London as well as key business and voluntary sector groups before being considered by the London Assembly early next year.
Mayor Johnson said: ‘The main priorities for my budget this year is to ensure that every penny the GLA spends delivers value for money; and to promote jobs and growth across the city.
“Obviously I have had to make tough, but necessary decisions, but at the same time I am committed that we continue to protect frontline services and to invest in key infrastructure projects.
“I am determined to cut the cost of living for hardworking Londoners and, by rigorously pursuing efficiency savings, I have been able to make a modest cut to my share of the council tax, whilst also holding down fares.”
Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the London Assembly, said: “No one will notice the Mayor’s 8 pence a week cut in the council tax, but what will soon be clear is the real legacy of the Mayor’s foolish budget decisions, especially his obsession with closing one in ten of London’s fire stations and cutting dedicated safer neighbourhood teams”
