Council Tax to Increase by £100 Annually in Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest’s council tax will increase in April. It will go up by 4.99%. People in band-D homes will pay £100 more a year. Senior councillors supported this increase. A band-D home currently pays £2,173.72 yearly. This will rise to about £2,280.

The council leader stated there was no other choice. They must raise the tax to protect key services. She mentioned they face “tough decisions”. Other councils nearby also raise taxes. Redbridge also planned a 4.99% increase, while Newham wants to increase theirs by 8.99%.

A 4.99% increase is the maximum without a vote. It includes 2% for the council and 2.99% for social care. The finance director said council tax matters because the borough is mostly residential. It can’t depend on business rates like inner London.

The tax hike is a key part of the budget. This involves about £23 million in cuts too. Without action, the council might face bankruptcy within two years. Councils issue a notice when they cannot cover costs, including social care and housing costs.

Temporary housing creates a big strain, an issue many London councils face. About 1,590 families live in temporary housing, including hotels and B&Bs. More families enter temporary housing, but fewer leave, and some unfortunately stay there for over a year.

London Councils spend millions monthly on housing. They house at-risk residents in hotels. One councillor blamed past governments’ housing policies. They will maintain current housing instead this year, with building new homes postponed in the budget.

The council reduced support for council tax. Now, some low-income residents will pay more, up to 43% instead of 15%. Free parking is also gone across the borough, which might generate over £1.5 million for the council.

The full council must approve the budget, and it might be approved next week. Any tax changes will begin on April 1st.