council tax
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
- Wandsworth Council is considering a council tax rise to address a budget shortfall. Source
- Bexley Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy assumes annual council tax increases of 4.99%. Source
- Waltham Forest Council approved a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026-27 in May 2026. Source
- Haringey Council approved a 2.99% council tax rise and a 2% Adult Social Care Precept in March 2026. Source
- 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.