London Council Tax Rises 2026/27: A Comprehensive Overview
Residents across London are bracing for significant changes to their council tax bills in the upcoming financial year, with the vast majority of boroughs proposing substantial increases. As of February 25, 2026, every London council has outlined its latest plans, providing a clear snapshot of what households will pay from April 6. This detailed list highlights both confirmed and proposed adjustments, shedding light on the financial landscape for local authorities.
Key Trends and Exceptions in Borough Proposals
Out of the 32 London boroughs, nearly all are opting for a 4.99% council tax rise, aligning with maximum permitted increases under current regulations. However, notable exceptions include Barnet, which has proposed a slightly lower rate of 4.98%, and Merton, Wandsworth, and Westminster, all proposing a modest 2.00% increase. So far, Brent Council stands as the only local authority in London to have officially confirmed its council tax level for 2026/27, setting it at 4.99%.
Wandsworth Council is poised to maintain its status as having the lowest council tax in the UK if its proposal is approved. The authority plans to freeze its core share of the bill, which funds general services, while raising the adult social care precept by 2% in April. This strategic move means average band D households can expect to pay £1,028.21 in 2026/27. Labour council leader Simon Hogg emphasized the importance of keeping council tax low, stating, "Value for money is at the heart of everything we do." He attributed this ability to Wandsworth's low debt levels and high financial reserves, which enable investment in community priorities without burdening taxpayers.
Broader Context and Government Reforms
The backdrop to these changes includes recent reforms to the local government finance system by the Government, aimed at creating a fairer distribution of funding through revised allocation formulas and multi-year settlements. Despite these efforts, the Local Government Association has warned that many councils will still face funding shortfalls relative to inflation and rising demand pressures. Greg Stride, principal researcher at the think tank Local Government Information Unit, noted, "The outcome of the Fair Funding Review has granted a small number of councils a temporary reprieve from raising council tax, but increasing cost pressures mean this is unlikely to continue for long." He added that official forecasts assume councils will raise council tax by the maximum amount in future years.
Beyond London, some councils have been granted permission to exceed the 4.99% cap. For instance, North Somerset and Shropshire have proposed the highest increases at 8.99%, with Worcestershire opting for 8.98%. Additionally, Trafford, Warrington, and Windsor & Maidenhead are considering rises up to 7.49%. A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson reiterated that local authorities have autonomy over council tax levels, supported by over £78 billion in funding for the next year, a 6% increase from 2025/26, with most funds un-ringfenced for local discretion.
Full List of Proposed and Confirmed Council Tax Rises
- Barnet, Labour majority: 4.98% proposed
- Bexley, Conservative majority: 4.99% proposed
- Brent, Labour majority: 4.99% confirmed
- Bromley, Conservative majority: 4.99% proposed
- Camden, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- City of London, Independent majority: to be confirmed
- Croydon, Conservative minority: 4.99% proposed
- Ealing, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Enfield, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Greenwich, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Hackney, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Hammersmith & Fulham, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Haringey, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Harrow, Conservative majority: 4.99% proposed
- Havering, Resident minority: 4.99% proposed
- Hillingdon, Conservative majority: 4.99% proposed
- Hounslow, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Islington, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Kensington & Chelsea, Conservative majority: 4.99% proposed
- Kingston-upon-Thames, Lib Dem majority: 4.99% proposed
- Lambeth, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Lewisham, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Merton, Labour majority: 2.00% proposed
- Newham, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Redbridge, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Richmond-upon-Thames, Lib Dem majority: 4.99% proposed
- Southwark, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Sutton, Lib Dem majority: 4.99% proposed
- Tower Hamlets, Aspire majority: 4.99% proposed
- Waltham Forest, Labour majority: 4.99% proposed
- Wandsworth, Labour majority: 2.00% proposed
- Westminster, Labour majority: 2.00% proposed
This comprehensive overview underscores the varied approaches to council tax across London, reflecting both local priorities and broader economic challenges. As April 6 approaches, residents should stay informed about final confirmations and any potential adjustments to these proposals.
