Waltham Forest Council has approved a budget of £611.072 million for the upcoming year, alongside a 4.99% increase in council tax.
The decision was made during a full council meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The budget includes a 2.99% rise in the basic council tax rate, with an additional 2% specifically for Adult Social Care.
This means that a Band D property will now face a council tax bill of £1,876.45, before the Greater London Authority's precept is added. The GLA precept will bring the total council tax for a Band D property to £2,386.96, an increase of 4.80% overall.
Several amendments proposed by opposition councillors, which aimed to reduce spending in various areas or reallocate funds for specific purposes such as CCTV cameras or a review of bin collection frequency, were all defeated.
The council also agreed to maintain the maximum percentage allowed for the empty homes premium and a 100% premium on dwellings that have been empty for one year or are substantially furnished but unoccupied.
