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 5

  1. Croydon Council Appeals for Fairer National Funding Amid Financial Challenges Croydon Council is appealing for a fairer share of national funding, citing a 'postcode lottery' that disadvantages its residents and businesses. The council warns that a... Croydon 22 November 2025
  2. Brent Council to Consult on 4.99% Council Tax Increase to Protect Frontline Services Brent Council is proposing a 4.99% increase in council tax for the 2026-27 financial year, a move intended to protect vital frontline services. The decision, which includes a 2%... Brent 18 November 2025
  3. Hillingdon Council Faces £30.2M Budget Overspend Hillingdon Council is facing a significant financial challenge with a projected £30.2 million budget overspend, primarily driven by increasing demand for essential statutory... Hillingdon 28 October 2025
  4. Lewisham Council Tax Collection Below Target; New Measures Planned Lewisham Council's tax collection rates have fallen below targeted levels, prompting the council to implement new measures to improve efficiency. The drop in collection rates... Lewisham 19 September 2025
  5. Haringey Mulls Council Tax Hike Up to 4.99% Amid Financial Pressures Haringey residents could see their council tax bills rise by up to 4.99% as the council grapples with significant financial pressures driven by increasing demand for adult... Haringey 26 July 2025
  6. Haringey Council Faces £143M Funding Cut and Rising Universal Credit Claims, Considers Council Tax Hikes and Service Fees Haringey Council is facing significant financial strain as core funding from the government has decreased by £143 million since 2010. At the same time, the number of residents... Haringey 26 July 2025
  7. Lambeth to Insource Call Centre, Outsource Debt Recovery Lambeth Council is set to insource its call centre operations while outsourcing debt recovery, marking a significant shift in its approach to customer service and financial... Lambeth 22 July 2025
  8. Harrow Council Underspent, But Warns of Future Tax Hikes and Highlights Public Service Improvements Harrow Council is currently underspent by £1.5 million overall, but residents may see council tax rise by 5% each year for the next three years. While the specific services or... Harrow 11 July 2025