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Westminster Freezes Council Tax as Lambeth Plans 4.99% Rise for 2026/27

Each approach reflects mounting social care burdens, temporary accommodation pressures, reduced grants.

Overview

  • Westminster will hold its main council tax rate for 2026/27, add a 2% adult social care precept, and draw £19.7m from reserves to balance the year.
  • Council officers called the reserve use unusual, reported reserves projected at £318.6m by April 1, 2026, and warned tougher choices lie ahead.
  • The authority forecasts an £87.8m gap by 2029, largely linked to a £75.6m annual funding loss from the Fair Funding Review, with £59m of savings proposed.
  • Lambeth proposes a 4.99% rise for 2026/27—2.99% core plus 2% social care—taking a Band D bill to £2,047.11 including a £510.51 GLA precept.
  • Lambeth has set out £46.5m savings next year within £99.7m to 2028/29 and plans measures such as higher parking charges, a cancelled country show, parks changes, SEND travel cuts, and ending hotel use for homeless families.