Wandsworth Council considers historic 160% council tax hike

Wandsworth Council in London is considering a council tax increase of up to 160 percent, which would represent the highest such increase in British history. The proposal follows a projected 40 percent reduction in funding from the central government and warnings that the borough's reserves could be exhausted within three years without urgent action.

The Conservative-led administration is conducting a spending review expected to conclude in September. While the council aims to protect core services, the Labour Party has criticized the move, accusing the administration of planning an unprecedented tax hike. Conversely, Conservative spokespeople have blamed the Labour government for slashing local funding and pointed to a significant budget gap left by previous administrations.

If implemented, the increase would primarily affect the portion of the tax collected by the council rather than the portion allocated to the Mayor of London. For a Band D property, the total annual bill could rise by approximately 800 pounds.