Wandsworth borough cuts share of council tax from April
Most of London boroughs are expected to see an increase in shares
Last updated 12th Mar 2022
Wandsworth council have confirmed a reduction in their share of council tax from April.
The borough will reduce its share of council tax bills by a net 1%, but the majority of London’s other 32 boroughs are expected to see a rises of 1-2.99%.
People living in Wandsworth will see an increase in council tax bills, but the rise won't be as extensive as most other areas across the capital.
It comes as the nation faces the cost-of-living crisis, with national insurance, fuel costs and the energy price cap increasing.
London Mayor increases share of council tax
From April, the Greater London Authority are increasing their share of council tax by 8.8%.
This means an increase of almost £32 per month for Band D properties, resulting in almost £400 coming from the average London household a year.
The mayor made the decision back in December, announcing that the increase will be shared between TFL, the Met Police, the London Fire Brigade, and running City Hall.
As part of the Government's response to the cost-of-living crisis, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has introduced a £150 council tax rebate in a bid to offset the rise in energy bills for households in Bands A-D.
London Borough of Wandsworth
Council tax bills will still rise for households in the borough because of the London mayor's shares increase, but less so than other boroughs as Wandsworth have decreased the amount of money they are taking in their part of the council tax bill.
When Wandsworth's lower precept is combined with the mayor's 8.8% increase it works out at an overall increase of 3.2%, which is a rise of around £30 a year for a Band D property.
It’s been reported that around half of London boroughs will be raising council tax by over £70 per household including the GLA increase from April, at least £40 higher than Wandsworth.
Cllr Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council tells us, “We are the only authority in London to cut the tax, the reason we’ve decided to do is because people have had a tough time.
He tells us that the council have flexibility, “Wandsworth is in a unique position to be able to do this because we’ve looked after our money with great care, we have saved money over the years. That efficiency is now reaping the benefits for our residents.
“We know prices are going up, with rising energy bills and other increasing costs, it’s important our residents get true value for money by paying the lowest possible council tax bills while still enjoying high quality services.”
London council tax
According to one study, when comparing Wandsworth to seven neighbouring boroughs, its average council tax has been the lowest for the last four years.
The Wandsworth study based on Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (Cipfa) figures showed the average bills across all of London’s 32 boroughs over the last four years totals £5,174.
The average council tax bills total for the last four years for Wandsworth’s neighbouring boroughs:
- Richmond - £7,774
- Kingston - £7,333
- Merton - £5,640
- Kensington & Chelsea - £5,593
- Lambeth - £4,651
- Hammersmith & Fulham - £4,073
- Westminster - £3,291
- Wandsworth - £2,927
READ MORE: Financial pressures for families ahead as cost of living crisis hits
Cllr Ravi Govindia says, “Over the past four years, Wandsworth residents have saved thousands of pounds in council tax when compared to neighbouring boroughs.”
Cabinet member for finance, corporate resources, and climate sustainability Councillor Kim Caddy, said: “Low council tax is synonymous with Wandsworth because of the efforts this council goes to in looking after its money properly and most importantly of all looking out for our residents.”
Wandsworth Cllr Ravi Govindia tells us, “We’re reducing the council tax element of the bill by 2% but we’re continuing to take social care precept, so it comes out as 1%.
“We believe the social care element of the council’s expenditure is going to rise and we need to cover that with a dedicated tax for it.
“We have the resource to be able to do it because we have managed our money far, far better. Both this year, last year, and for the last four decades.
“Making sure that discipline goes right the way through the council business means that we have the financial muscle and the resource to reach out and help when that help is needed.”