Wandsworth Council Tax Freeze Approved

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Band D approximately half the average London tax

Wandsworth’s average council tax bills should continue to be the lowest in the country after councillors last night (4th March) voted in favour of a second successive freeze.

Band D properties will pay £677.65 in 2015/16 - approximately half the London average which stands at around £1,300.

Some residents in the west of the borough will pay slightly more (£704.57) as they are also subject to the statutory levy imposed by the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators. This means the average Band D bill in Wandsworth will be £683.

The council’s tax rate has only been increased twice in the last 12 years.

Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council, said: "We know how hard local people work to balance their household budgets and our tax freeze is one of the most important things this council can do to help. Every Wandsworth resident benefits directly from our low tax policies and I’m proud the average bill paid in this borough is set to be the lowest in the country.

“The council has reduced its spending again this year in line with our lower grants but frontline services remain among the very best in London. Our saving have come from back office efficiencies, a vastly reduced senior staff wage bill and through a highly successful programme of market testing our services.

“Wandsworth continues to lead the country in developing new and imaginative ways of working and our plan to share staff with Richmond Council was discussed by Councillors last month. This ambitious project will allow us to continue to reduce our spending while protecting the frontline.

“The challenges ahead are significant but I am confident we will continue to deliver the high quality services our residents deserve.”

March 6, 2015ear shows that annual spending is now £90m lower than it was in 2010. This is the result of Government grants being scaled back to help pay off the country’s enormous debts.

Ministers have confirmed that grant levels will continue to fall and the council will be required to reduce spending by a further £50 million a year by 2017 in order to balance the budget.

Read the report online.

 

March 6, 2015