UK council confirms plan to hike council tax by ‘outrageous’ 94%

It would be the highest council tax hike in English history

The council said that the increase would be necessary unless the government considered cuts to funding, announcing they were set to lose £84m otherwise.

Wandsworth Council announced the plans at a meeting on Tuesday, although a final decision won't be made until early 2027.

The 2021 census states that around 327,500 people live in the London borough. 

Last month, initial reports stated that the council was set to increase council tax by 160% after the government announced a cut in funding as part of a wider plan to redistribute money into more deprived areas. 

A development in Wandsworth. Image: Adobe Stock.

The council is run by a minority Conservative administration, after Labour lost its grip on the borough in May.

The council has been known to set low council tax rates,  with many Band D rates in London above the £2,000 mark while in Wandsworth, council tax on an average Band D property is currently £1,020.35.

The £84 million deduction will be spread out until 2030.

With inflation confirmed at 2.9%, households are looking at bill increases to add to their financial duties.

If approved, the tax hike will take place from April 2027.

Usually, councils are bound to a 5% increase per year, however, in exceptional circumstances, this number can be increased substantially.

Conservative deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, Peter Graham, blamed the government and said that he was reluctantly considering raising council tax.

Graham said: "This administration recognises the financial pressures that many households already experience and the extent to which they are already taxed by other means.

"Higher council tax will not be easy or welcome. We do not regard it as fair and will continue to challenge the government by every possible means.

"Residents can help us with that challenge by responding to the consultation that was launched in the last week or so."

The leader of the opposition, Labour councillor Simon Hogg, said: "Wandsworth Conservatives have decided to double your council tax.

"It's outrageous, it is stunning. People who don't know how to run the council panicking and making you pay the price.

"This increase is unfair, it's unnecessary and we oppose it."