Council Tax Hikes Confirmed for 33 London Boroughs in April 2026
As the new financial year approaches in April 2026, Londoners face a widespread increase in council tax across 33 boroughs. With less than two months until these changes take effect, residents can now plan their budgets based on the specific percentages announced by local councils.
Nearly Universal 4.99% Rise Across the Capital
The majority of London boroughs are implementing the maximum allowable increase of 4.99 percent for the 2026-27 financial year. This adjustment will add an average of nearly £100 to annual council tax bills, translating to roughly an extra £8 per month for most households. Notably, none of the five boroughs granted special permission to exceed this cap have chosen to do so, opting instead for more moderate adjustments.
Exceptions: Wandsworth and Westminster Lead with Minimal Increases
In a surprising move, Wandsworth and Westminster have decided to freeze the main component of their council tax, raising only the social care portion by 2 percent. This results in Wandsworth maintaining the lowest council tax in the country at £1,020 annually, while Westminster's bill will be £1,047. These decisions contrast with the broader trend of higher increases elsewhere in the city.
Proposed Measures for Second Home Owners
Kensington & Chelsea is considering a proposal to double council tax for second home owners, following similar initiatives in Wandsworth, Westminster, and Hackney. The outcome of this proposal remains pending confirmation, highlighting ongoing efforts to address housing and revenue challenges in affluent areas.
Complete List of Council Tax Increases for 2026-27
Below is the full breakdown of council tax increases for each London borough, along with the estimated annual cost for an average Band D property:
- Barking and Dagenham: 4.99% (£2,198)
- Barnet: 4.98% (£2,132)
- Bexley: 4.99% (£2,366)
- Brent: 4.99% (£2,235)
- Bromley: 4.99% (£2,140)
- Camden: 4.99% (£2,207)
- Croydon: 4.99% (£2,600)
- Ealing: 4.99% (£2,138)
- Enfield: 4.99% (£2,267)
- Greenwich: 4.99% (£2,107)
- Hackney: 4.99% (£2,060)
- Hammersmith and Fulham: 4.99% (£1,519)
- Haringey: 4.99% (£2,313)
- Harrow: 4.99% (£2,511)
- Havering: 4.99% (£2,424)
- Hillingdon: 4.99% (£2,045)
- Hounslow: 4.99% (£2,185)
- Islington: 4.99% (£2,107)
- Kensington & Chelsea: 4.99% (£1,643)
- Kingston: 4.99% (£2,608)
- Lambeth: 4.99% (£2,047)
- Lewisham: 4.99% (£2,237)
- Merton: 4.99% (£2,188)
- Newham: 4.99% (£1,911)
- Redbridge: 4.99% (£2,294)
- Richmond: 4.99% (£2,486)
- Southwark: 4.99% (£1,967)
- Sutton: 4.99% (£2,378)
- Tower Hamlets: 4.99% (£1,837)
- Waltham Forest: 4.99% (£2,387)
- Wandsworth: 2% (£1,020)
- Westminster: 2% (£1,047)
Implementation Date and Further Information
The increased council tax rates will officially take effect from April 6, 2026. Residents are advised to review their local council communications for detailed billing information and any potential adjustments based on individual circumstances.
