Wandsworth Council
Wandsworth Council is currently addressing significant financial challenges, including funding cuts and a projected budget deficit, impacting service provision and housing targets.
Wandsworth Council is facing substantial financial pressures, including an £84 million reduction in central government funding from April 2027 and a projected £215 million budget deficit by 2030-31, leading to a proposed 94% council tax hike. Councillor Peter Graham, Deputy Leader, presented this forecast in September 2026. The council is also challenging the Mayor of London's Draft London Plan, which mandates doubling housing provision to 2,343 homes per year while halving associated Section 106 income.
These financial challenges are influencing service decisions, with the council set to scrap free bulky waste collections to invest more in street cleaning, as discussed in September 2026. Councillor Brooks, Cabinet Member for the Environment, confirmed enhanced street cleaning for Clapham Junction. The council is also reviewing its tree watering contract after concerns about newly planted trees, and is introducing a new e-bike fair use charter to address rider behaviour.
Looking ahead, new planning rules are expected from November 2026, which will reduce the powers of planning committees, allowing council officers to determine more applications. This change was discussed by the Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee in September 2026. The council's leader, Councillor Robert Morritt, apologised in September 2026 for past housing service failures, pledging improvements to the ageing housing stock.
Key facts
- Wandsworth Council faces an £84 million reduction in central government funding, phased in from April 2027. Source 1 Source 2
- The council is targeting £7.7 million in transport budget savings by 2027. Source
- Wandsworth Council is proposing a 94% council tax hike, which would add £958 to annual household bills. Source
- New planning rules from November 2026 will reduce planning committee powers, allowing officers to determine more applications. Source
- A new mental health emergency department is planned for St George's Hospital with a £1.9 million investment. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.