Wandsworth Council to Maintain UK's Lowest Council Tax for Fourth Consecutive Year
Wandsworth Council has officially announced its intention to freeze the core portion of council tax for the fourth year running, while implementing only a modest 2 percent increase in the adult social care precept. This strategic decision ensures that Wandsworth will retain its status as the local authority with the lowest council tax in the entire United Kingdom, pending formal approval of the proposed budget.
Detailed Financial Breakdown for Residents
Under the newly unveiled plans, average Band D households across Wandsworth can anticipate a total council tax bill of £1,028.21 for the 2026/27 financial year. This figure represents a calculated increase of £30.46 from the previous year. The breakdown includes the council's core share remaining frozen, with the additional levy specifically allocated to adult social care services.
It is important to note that residents in most areas of Wandsworth will see their total bill rise by £30.28 to £1,020.35, which incorporates Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's separate precept. This mayoral levy is scheduled to increase by £20.13 to £510.50, directly funding essential services such as policing, fire services, and public transport infrastructure across the capital.
Households subject to the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators levy will experience a slightly higher total, with Band D properties expected to pay £1,061.73 annually.
Special Powers and Prudent Financial Management
Wandsworth Council is among a select group of six local authorities granted special dispensation by the Government to raise council tax by more than 4.99 percent in both 2026 and 2027 without the customary requirement for a public referendum. This extraordinary power was conferred in December, recognizing that these councils face reduced central funding allocations under forthcoming local authority finance reforms set to commence in April.
Despite this authority, Labour council leader Simon Hogg has emphatically stated that Wandsworth will not exercise this option. Councillor Hogg articulated the council's philosophy, stating, "Value for money is at the heart of everything we do. Wandsworth has one of the lowest levels of debt and some of the highest financial reserves in London. This allows us to freeze the main element of council tax, keep more money in your pocket and invest in what matters to you."
Commitment to Services Amid Fiscal Challenges
A comprehensive report prepared by council officers underscores the authority's dual commitment to enhancing public services while maintaining fiscal restraint. The document highlights that Wandsworth's robust financial position—characterized by significant reserves and minimal debt—enables this approach, even as new government funding formulas place the borough at a relative disadvantage.
The report explicitly states, "We can do this because we put value for money at the heart of everything we do to correct decades of underinvestment. Wandsworth runs excellent services with some of the highest reserves and lowest debt of any London borough, ensuring our financial stability without burdening our residents."
For the 2026/27 fiscal year, the council has allocated a substantial net budget of £309.4 million for resident services. This funding will sustain critical initiatives including:
- Free weekly food waste collection services
- Targeted cost-of-living support programs for vulnerable households
- The Access for All scheme, providing free or discounted access to council services and community activities
- Ongoing investment in park maintenance and improvements
- Road and pavement resurfacing projects
- Maintenance and expansion of the borough's comprehensive CCTV network
The council further pledges to continue its sound financial management through innovative strategies such as optimizing service delivery efficiency, securing contributions from property developers for local infrastructure, and forming strategic partnerships to enhance service quality without additional cost to taxpayers.
Political Context and Next Steps
This budget proposal marks another significant policy under the Labour administration, which assumed control of Wandsworth Council in May 2022, ending forty-four years of Conservative governance. The plans are scheduled for review by the council's finance committee on February 18, with a final decision to be rendered by the executive on March 4.
The council's approach demonstrates a clear prioritization of resident affordability, particularly during a period of elevated living costs, while simultaneously investing in the borough's long-term infrastructure and service quality.
