Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has instructed lawyers to challenge the government over local funding cuts following a proposed 94% council tax increase in Wandsworth, a borough run by the Conservative Party. Badenoch described the hike as “outrageous” and accused the government of taking funding from councils that do not vote Labour and giving it to those that do. Wandsworth Council blames a £84 million annual funding cut for the proposed tax increase, which would raise the council’s share of the Band D council tax from £510 to £968.
The Daily Mail reports the council inherited a £137 million financial gap from the previous Labour administration, who it claims increased staff by 14% and spent heavily without increasing revenue. Badenoch also questioned why Wandsworth is facing a 40% cut while Andy Burnham has not had to cut 40% of anything. While acknowledging Wandsworth’s council tax will remain lower than many others, Badenoch stated a nearly 100% increase would worry families.
The government maintains the need to reform the “outdated” council funding system to redistribute money where it is most needed, with changes under the Fair Funding Review 2.0 set to shift funds between council areas. Left outlets emphasize the impact on residents and the perceived unfairness of the funding distribution, while right-leaning coverage focuses on the Labour government’s alleged targeting of Conservative-run councils. Not in dispute is the significant financial strain on Wandsworth Council and the substantial proposed tax increase.
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