Cuts blamed for 94% rise in council tax

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

Wandsworth Council has proposed a 94% increase in council tax for Band D properties, nearly doubling the average bill due to an £84 million cut in government funding. This unprecedented rise reflects the council’s struggle to maintain essential services amid reduced grants and has sparked local political opposition ahead of a final decision expected in February.

Wandsworth Council in London is proposing a record increase of 94% in council tax for Band D properties, which would add approximately £958 to the current average bill of £1,020.35. The Conservative-led borough, traditionally known for its comparatively low council tax rates, attributes the proposed rise to a significant reduction in central government funding.

The council faces an £84 million funding cut, which it says represents around 40% of its budget allocated to essential services such as parks, libraries, leisure centres, bin collection, and street cleaning. Deputy council leader and finance cabinet member Peter Graham described the increase as “not easy or welcome” and said the council did not consider the government’s funding changes to be fair. He emphasized the council’s commitment to continue challenging the government over the funding cuts.

The proposed tax hike remains under consideration, with a final decision expected in February following discussions at a recent extraordinary meeting. This year, the government announced funding reductions for seven local authorities, including Wandsworth, and allowed these councils to raise council tax beyond the usual 5% cap for a period of two years. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that the existing funding system was “outdated” and required reform, but also emphasized measures to protect councils from sudden or severe funding shortfalls.

The proposal has drawn criticism from local Labour figures. Councillor Simon Hogg described the scale of the increase as “outrageous” and highlighted concerns about the financial burden on residents. Shadow local government secretary Katie Lam accused Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, of “forcing higher taxes on people who’ve voted for the opposite,” linking the issue to broader political dynamics.

Wandsworth’s proposed increase marks a significant departure from its longstanding approach to council tax. The council’s leadership argues that the combination of reduced government grants and the continued need to fund vital public services leave few alternatives to raising local taxes at this scale. As the borough prepares for a final decision, residents and political representatives continue to debate the fairness and impact of the proposed changes.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.