West London residents in the boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, and Richmond will see a slight increase in their waste levies next year, following the West London Waste Authority's (WLWA) approval of a 1% levy increase for the 2026-27 budget.
The decision, made at a meeting on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, comes as the Authority aims to provide constituent boroughs with greater financial stability and predictability. The increase translates to roughly £1.1 million across the West London area.
According to the 2026-27 Budget proposal, the 1% rise is lower than previously anticipated, primarily due to reduced borough tonnages in the budget compared to 2025/26. However, the underlying RPIx pressure on contracts is projected to be 5.5%.
The report included in the public reports pack stated that:
The levies for the Authority to be passed through to boroughs have remained relatively stable and increased by £1.1 million, a growth of 1% from 2025/26. The growth results from waste volumes projected by boroughs and current trends identified by the Authority. Additionally, efficiencies have been implemented where possible to ensure that the Authority's new structure can effectively manage safe waste disposal, as well as supporting boroughs on creating long-term efficiencies throughout the whole waste system.
The budget also outlines several key points:
- The West London Waste Authority aims to disburse any reserves exceeding its requirements, with excess reserves to be confirmed and disbursed following the final statement of accounts for 2024/25.
- A new staffing structure will be introduced, maintaining the same overall permanent staffing level but incorporating 4.0 full-time equivalent interim support positions to ensure stability during a period of change management. These positions will also address audit recommendations from the value for money areas where weaknesses were identified and support the new approach to delivery of programme work within the existing business as usual budget.
- In 2025/26, the Authority adjusted the pace of three funded programmes, which were supported by one third of PPP income. Programmes funded in 2025/26 will transition to routine activities in 2026/27, with the exception of Acton Hub, which has merged with the Social Value and Reuse programme.
- The 2026/27 budget seeks to strengthen relationships with boroughs to identify shared opportunities and long-term efficiencies.
- RPIx has been budgeted at 5.5%, an increase from the 3.5% budgeted in 2025/26, reflecting current volatile market conditions.
The 2026/27 draft budget will be subject to consultation with constituent boroughs. Following consultation, the final budget will be reported to the Authority meeting on 20th January 2026 for approval.
The West London Waste Authority approved the 2026/27 budget for consultation.
The meeting also included updates on contracts and operations, as well as a review of health and safety performance, which will be covered in separate reports.
