Forum Topic

Wandsworth Council tax

I note( apart from the Mayors precept) wandsworth have held their tax again this year.But at a cost of utilising £25m of reserves ( up 150% on last year).I hope that in the event of unexpected emergencies there is still enough to cover costs.I do think that some of the praise for holding the tax should go to previous Administrations who have built up the reserves whilst still holding down the tax.Presumably next year ( election year) this freeze will be repeated using around £ 40m from reserves. That's just a 60% estimated increase.At this rate when will the reserves be fully used up leading to expensive borrowing, cuts, or increases in tax ( just like their parents on Govt) .Remember that HRA reserves cannot be used in this calculation.

Andy Pike ● 40d9 Comments

"The concern would be that Wandsworth finds itself in a situation where, given the low base of council tax, rises limited to a percentage increase will not be sufficient to cover looming shortfalls."That is one concern and it is certainly true for other local authorities of course if you have such a low council tax each percentage increase will be very small. I think the other concern is that the council is too dependent upon developers for income.We may not get the best outcomes in such situations.I'm not sure what the answer is as no one wants to see their taxes rise with no improvement to services.Perhaps turning Putney Bridge into a toll bridge??Free for Wandsworth BC residents of course!

Ed Robinson ● 20d

Interesting point. I never knew there was such a difference so I went online and picked up this link below. Probably a bit biased wince it's a conservative website but I'm sure the hard figures are correct.https://www.wandsworthconservatives.co.uk/compare-council

Marc Blanchard ● 20d

Isn't money raised from developers hypothecated so it can't be used for general expenditure? If so that means that, a bit of creative accounting aside, it just provides the opportunity to spend more but not fully cover deficits.The concern would be that Wandsworth finds itself in a situation where, given the low base of council tax, rises limited to a percentage increase will not be sufficient to cover looming shortfalls.

Peter Higgins ● 35d

Firstly I wasnt complaining just pointing out how they have used reserves and the potential problems once reserves are used.Secondly never made a secret of my move to Brighton 3 years ago.Third Council tax here is double dear not helped by the Labour council writing off £51m of debt that they and the greens imposed on the people of Brighton with their failed i360 folly.

Andy Pike ● 39d

Mr. Brigo you beat me to it. Andy probably pays a lot more Council Tax, No Fumes, Sand in his toes, sea breeze.  But no Brighton Forum.

Barbara Stevens ● 40d

Mr Pike lives in Brighton - Barbara needs to tell him to shut up because he doesn't live in Putney.Awks.

Michael Brigo ● 40d

WBC uses reserves to keep council tax low - Mr Pike complains.WBC raises council tax to ensure reserves remain stable - Mr Pike complains.

Michael Brigo ● 40d

I remember it as not being quite that hunky-dory!

Philippa Bond ● 40d

There article here (3 years old) about Wandsworth Council tax.Unless things have changed it seems money from property development has quite a large impact on the budgets or more accurately the relatively small amount (excluding the Mayors cut) that WBC can raise via Council Tax.Any thoughts??"Is Wandsworth council addicted to property developers’ money? Based on our study, the result is yes. The money coming for approved schemes in Lambeth is less than 10% of the Council tax collected over the 8 year period, while it represents more than 100% in Wandsworth.""In a borough like Lambeth, that Wandsworth likes to compare with (they have a similar population of ~320k inhabitants in Lambeth and ~330k in Wandsworth), the Council tax (2019/20) received was £123m with an additional £20m paid by property developers. In comparison, Wandsworth received less than half that Council tax income (£61m in 2019) but more than £55m from property developers."https://www.cjag.org/2022/03/14/understanding-the-lowest-council-tax-slogan/

Ed Robinson ● 40d