Households across London are set to see their council tax bills rise by an average of £20 from April, with the extra funds earmarked for a significant police operation targeting mobile phone theft. The proposed increase, which requires approval, is being considered by Labour Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.
The Proposed Council Tax Increase
The Mayor of London is proposing to raise the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept on council tax for an average Band D property. The amount would increase from £490.38 in the 2025-26 financial year to £510.51 in 2026-27. This additional revenue will be directed to the Metropolitan Police to bolster resources specifically for combating street crime.
Sir Sadiq Khan stated he was making a "difficult decision" but argued it was necessary to provide "crucial funding" for law enforcement. "Bearing down on crime and keeping Londoners safe is my top priority as Mayor," he said.
Funding a Crackdown on Crime
The Mayor's office clarified that the extra money would help implement a major crackdown on phone theft, with more officers and resources dedicated to dismantling organised gangs behind these crimes. The funding is also intended to support ongoing efforts to reduce serious offences across the capital.
"This will help to implement a major crack down on phone theft – with more resources to smash the phone theft gangs – as well as to ensure we can build on the significant progress we’re making to reduce knife crime, gun crime, homicides and burglary in the capital," Khan explained.
Which Areas Are Affected?
The GLA precept applies to all 32 London boroughs plus the City of London. Each local authority then adds its own council tax rate on top. The boroughs where residents will pay the increased precept are:
- Barking and Dagenham
- Barnet
- Bexley
- Brent
- Bromley
- Camden
- Croydon
- Ealing
- Enfield
- Greenwich
- Hackney
- Hammersmith and Fulham
- Haringey
- Harrow
- Havering
- Hillingdon
- Hounslow
- Islington
- Kensington and Chelsea
- Kingston upon Thames
- Lambeth
- Lewisham
- Merton
- Newham
- Redbridge
- Richmond upon Thames
- Southwark
- Sutton
- Tower Hamlets
- Waltham Forest
- Wandsworth
- Westminster
This development coincides with a separate government decision affecting council tax limits. The Labour government has granted six councils in and around London, including Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, and Wandsworth, the power to increase their portion of council tax by more than 5% for two years without holding a local referendum.
Ministers argue this change creates a fairer funding model for England. However, the move has sparked political controversy. The Conservative Party has accused the government of seeking to "punish" traditionally low-tax councils, while Reform UK claimed the settlement disadvantages rural areas in favour of "Labour-dominated London and city councils."
