Topic
CouncilTax
10 stories, newest first.
- Council & Politics · Barnet
Barnet Council Considers 5% Tax Hike, Fortnightly Bin Collections
Barnet Council is facing a significant financial challenge, with a projected £200 million deficit that could rise to £243.5 million by 2030-31. Options being considered include a 5% council tax increase and switching bin collections to a fortnightly schedule, a move that could save £400,000 annually.
Barnet4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 71 · Hype 40 - Council & Politics · Barnet
Barnet Council faces £113.5m deficit by 2028, second largest in England
Barnet Council is projected to have a £113.5m budget deficit by 2027/28, the second largest in England. The authority received £55.7m in exceptional financial support for 2025/26 and plans £9.42m in savings for next year, while residents face a £77 increase in band D council tax.
Barnet5 min readTrust 50 · Craft 55 · Hype 35 - Council & Politics · Barnet
CIPFA review finds Barnet Council’s strategy fails to deliver for residents
An independent review by CIPFA has found Barnet Council’s financial problems stem from a failure to turn strategies into action. The report highlights late agenda papers, weak scrutiny, and a cautious culture delaying decisions, while warning of risks in the capital programme and joint ventures.
Barnet5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 70 - Council & Politics · Barnet
Barnet Council sets 2029 deadline to close £200m budget gap
Barnet Council aims to eliminate its £200 million structural deficit by March 2029, with a financial plan due at cabinet on 12 October. A CIPFA report recommends increasing council tax and reducing bin collections, while the council warns national policy changes are needed to address growing demand for statutory services.
Barnet5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 72 · Hype 50 
WorldHarrow Labour Demands Contractor Suspension After Enforcement Failures
Harrow Labour Group has secured the suspension of a private enforcement contractor after reports of aggressive behaviour, including a £1,000 fine for a five-year-old. The group is demanding repayment of penalties and an end to outsourcing the service, while council tax rises of 5% are expected in 2027 and 2028.
5 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 65
WorldWestminster Council Consults on Service Cuts Amid Funding Crisis
Westminster Council is engaging 200,000 residents on potential service cuts due to a significant drop in government funding. The borough faces a substantial budget shortfall, with options including drastic council tax hikes or reduced public services.
3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 65
Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet council tax: what the bands mean and how to challenge yours
Council tax bands in Barnet are based on 1991 property values, not current ones. This guide explains how bands are set, what your bill is made up of, who can get a discount, and how to challenge a band you think is wrong.
Barnet6 min read
WorldWestminster Council Faces £100m Funding Cut
Westminster City Council anticipates a £100 million reduction in government funding over four years, prompting potential service cuts and a large council tax hike. Universal free school meals for Key Stage 3 pupils have already been removed.
4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 65
WorldCouncil Tax Disparities Spark Reform Calls
Discrepancies in council tax rates, where affluent areas pay less than less affluent ones, are drawing attention. The current system, based on 1991 property values, is criticised as outdated, with proposals for reform including a Proportional Property Tax.
3 min readTrust 74 · Craft 79 · Hype 55
WorldWales Second Home Owners Face Council Tax Hikes
Over 24,000 dwellings in Wales were liable for second home council tax in 2023-24. Gwynedd leads with an 8.3% proportion of second homes, now subject to a 150% council tax premium, impacting owners like Bev Hooper.
3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15