Issue

Council Tax

40 stories · discussed at 14 council meetings · 23 councils

Councils are grappling with significant budget shortfalls, leading some to consider or implement council tax increases for the 2026-27 financial year.

Wandsworth Council is considering a council tax rise to address a significant budget shortfall, as reported in July 2026. This follows several councils, including Lambeth, Barnet, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Redbridge, and Bexley, reporting substantial overspends and budget gaps for the 2026-27 financial year, primarily due to rising demand in social care and temporary accommodation.

For the 2026-27 financial year, many councils approved council tax increases in early 2026. Waltham Forest Council approved a 4.99% increase in May 2026, while Haringey Council approved a 2.99% rise with an additional 2% for Adult Social Care in March 2026. Croydon Council set a 4.99% increase for its portion of the tax in February 2026, with the Greater London Authority precept also rising.

Other councils, including Hammersmith and Fulham, Southwark, Enfield, and Lambeth, also approved council tax increases for 2026-27 in February 2026. No further council meetings are currently scheduled to specifically discuss council tax, a local government tax based on residential property value, though financial planning remains a regular agenda item.

Key facts

  1. Wandsworth Council is considering a council tax rise to address a budget shortfall. Source
  2. Bexley Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy assumes annual council tax increases of 4.99%. Source
  3. Waltham Forest Council approved a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026-27 in May 2026. Source
  4. Haringey Council approved a 2.99% council tax rise and a 2% Adult Social Care Precept in March 2026. Source
  5. Croydon Council Tax for Band D properties will rise by 4.99% for the Croydon element and 4.10% for the GLA precept for 2026-27. Source 1 Source 2
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.

Stories, page 4

  1. Hammersmith and Fulham Council Proposes Nearly 3% Council Tax Increase for 2026/27 Budget Hammersmith and Fulham Council is proposing to increase Council Tax by nearly 3% for residents as part of its budget for the 2026/27 financial year. The increase, which includes... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 January 2026
  2. Tower Hamlets Cabinet Approves 2026-27 Budget Amidst Financial Pressures Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has approved the budget for the 2026-27 financial year, alongside the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-29. The decision was made... Tower Hamlets 10 January 2026
  3. Newham Considers Selling Debden House to Balance Budget Newham Council is considering the sale of Debden House, a Grade II listed building currently used as a campsite and events venue, as part of its efforts to balance the budget... Newham 2 January 2026
  4. Haringey Awards £1.4M Print & Post Contract to DSI Billing Haringey Council has awarded a £1.4 million contract to DSI Billing Services Limited for print and post services, commencing on 1 February 2026. The two-year contract, approved... Haringey 22 December 2025
  5. Waltham Forest to Increase Fees for Services in 2026/27 Waltham Forest Council is set to increase fees for a variety of services in the 2026/27 financial year, impacting everything from council tax collection to cultural events. The... Waltham Forest 15 December 2025
  6. Barking and Dagenham Council to Consult on 4.99% Council Tax Increase to Address Budget Gap Barking and Dagenham Council is proposing a 4.99% council tax increase and will consult with residents on the decision. Barking and Dagenham 13 December 2025
  7. Islington to Maintain Council Tax Support Despite Inflation Islington Council has pledged to maintain its Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS) for the 2026/27 financial year, despite inflationary pressures. The decision, made at a Council... Islington 7 December 2025
  8. Croydon Council to Increase Council Tax by 4.99% Amid Financial Challenges Croydon residents will see a 4.99% increase in their council tax bills next year, as the council grapples with ongoing financial challenges stemming from a £1.4 billion debt... Croydon 22 November 2025