London Council Tax Rises 2026/27: Full Borough-by-Borough Breakdown
All 153 top-tier local authorities across England have now confirmed their council tax increases for the upcoming financial year 2026/27. Under current regulations, local authorities can raise council tax by up to 4.99% annually without requiring a resident referendum. This year, the vast majority of London boroughs are implementing the maximum allowable increase, reflecting a consistent financial strategy across the capital.
London Boroughs: Uniform Approach with Notable Exceptions
For the 2026/27 financial year, nearly every London borough is increasing council tax by the full 4.99%. However, there are a few significant exceptions. Barnet is implementing a slightly lower rise of 4.98%, while Merton, Wandsworth, and Westminster are keeping increases substantially lower at just 2.00%. This pattern demonstrates a broadly uniform approach across London, with both Labour- and Conservative-led boroughs largely adhering to the cap.
The political landscape of each borough is also detailed in the comprehensive list below, indicating whether the ruling party maintains a majority or minority administration, or if there is a multi-party agreement in place.
Complete List of London Borough Council Tax Increases
Here is the full breakdown of confirmed council tax rises for London boroughs in 2026/27:
- Barking & Dagenham, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Barnet, Lab maj: 4.98%
- Bexley, Con maj: 4.99%
- Brent, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Bromley, Con maj: 4.99%
- Camden, Lab maj: 4.99%
- City of London, Ind maj: 4.99%
- Croydon, Con min: 4.99%
- Ealing, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Enfield, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Greenwich, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Hackney, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Hammersmith & Fulham, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Haringey, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Harrow, Con maj: 4.99%
- Havering, Residents min: 4.99%
- Hillingdon, Con maj: 4.99%
- Hounslow, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Islington, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Kensington & Chelsea, Con maj: 4.99%
- Kingston-upon-Thames, Lib Dem maj: 4.99%
- Lambeth, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Lewisham, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Merton, Lab maj: 2.00%
- Newham, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Redbridge, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Richmond-upon-Thames, Lib Dem maj: 4.99%
- Southwark, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Sutton, Lib Dem maj: 4.99%
- Tower Hamlets, Aspire maj: 4.99%
- Waltham Forest, Lab maj: 4.99%
- Wandsworth, Lab maj: 2.00%
- Westminster, Lab maj: 2.00%
National Context: Council Tax Rises Across England
The council tax increases extend beyond London, affecting county councils, metropolitan boroughs, and unitary authorities throughout England. Notable examples include:
- County Councils: Worcestershire leads with an 8.98% increase, while Essex and Kent implement lower rises of 3.95% and 3.99% respectively.
- Metropolitan Boroughs: Trafford stands out with a 7.49% increase, whereas Doncaster maintains a minimal 2.00% rise.
- Unitary Authorities: North Somerset and Shropshire both implement substantial increases of 8.99%, while Hartlepool and Durham keep rises below 2.00%.
This comprehensive overview highlights the widespread nature of council tax increases across England for the 2026/27 financial year, with London boroughs largely following the maximum allowable rate. The data provides valuable insight into local government financial strategies and their impact on residents nationwide.
