"A prominent Labour council plans to set the second lowest council tax in the country while warning that it faces a financial crisis due to Government funding cuts in London. Westminster council says it will only increase the amount of council tax used to fund adult social care adding just over 10 on average - while freezing the rest of its share of the bill, in recognition of the cost of living pressures faced by many Londoners."
"There are London borough elections in May and Westminster's Labour leadership, as in Wandsworth, is desperately trying to avoid having the council return to Conservative control. Westminster says that nationwide changes to the way the Government funds local authorities will have a significant adverse impact for a number of reasons, including less recognition of how many people work or visit the West End, putting substantial financial pressure on the council."
Westminster will set the second lowest council tax nationally, increasing only the adult social care precept by just over £10 on average and freezing the council's remaining share. Households will pay £510.51 to the mayor for services including the Metropolitan police and London fire brigade, and £537.34 to the council. The 2026/27 budget plans rely on £32m of new savings and almost £20m from reserves. Changes to Government funding, including lower recognition of West End workers and visitors, create substantial pressure and a projected £88m annual shortfall within three years. A proposed tourist tax could yield £20m–£80m annually, and the council has permission for rises above 5% in 2027/28 and 2028/29 but prefers not to use them.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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