Council tax in this London borough could go up again next year - as services are cut

"The financial report indicates that the council could ask the government for permission to raise council tax by 8.99 per cent from April 2026. If it does, it would be the second such increase in a row after Newham council tax went up by 8.99 per cent in April this year. The proposal is one of a package of suggestions presented to the council's cabinet when it meets next Thursday."

"In his introduction to the report Zulfiqar Ali, Newham Council's cabinet member for finance, said the council faces difficult decisions and a 53 million funding gap next year. Cllr Ali said: We are doing what good councils do in difficult times: planning ahead, protecting what matters most, and ensuring that every pound we spend delivers maximum value for the people of Newham."

Newham Council faces a £53 million funding gap for the next year. The council could ask the government for permission to raise council tax by 8.99% from April 2026, following an identical rise in April this year. Proposed measures include increasing fees and charges, closing children's centres, moving to fortnightly bin collections, reducing street cleaning, cutting staff, and reducing jobs and pay. Adopting all proposed measures would save £10 million but the council may still require exceptional Treasury support, including permission for tax increases beyond 4.99% and use of property sale proceeds for day-to-day spending. Up to 100 councils could request such packages next year.

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