Your Spending Review questions answered
Why does Council Tax need to rise?
Government funding reforms would reduce Wandsworth’s funding by £84 million a year by the end of the settlement period, a 40% cut. The Council is making savings and reducing borrowing, but additional income will still be needed unless Government agrees a fairer settlement.
Has the Council already made savings?
Yes. The Spending Review has identified savings, service changes, demand management and reductions in planned borrowing. However, the scale of the Government funding reduction alongside rising demand pressures and inflation means savings alone will not close the gap.
When will the final Council Tax figure be confirmed?
Final Council Tax levels and budget proposals will be confirmed through the Council’s formal budget setting process in March 2027. Until then, any figures are subject to revision.
How can residents help?
Residents can share their views on the services that matter most to them. This will help inform final local decisions and strengthen Wandsworth’s case to Government for a fairer funding settlement.
What is the Sustainable Communities Act proposal?
Wandsworth, Richmond, Southwark, Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea are preparing a proposal under the Sustainable Communities Act calling for fair treatment from government.
Further details will be published once the proposal is submitted.
Why are bulky waste charges being reintroduced?
The review found that removing the charge for residents’ first two bulky waste collections each year has not reduced fly tipping and has subsidised some users who would previously have paid.
Charges will be reintroduced in line with neighbouring boroughs, alongside stronger fly tip enforcement and a redesigned mega skip programme.
What is happening to Access for All?
Access for All was funded from a limited reserve and did not have an ongoing budget. It will be replaced by a new concessions scheme focused on leisure and culture services, with targeted water safety awareness training and free swimming lessons for pupils in Years 2 to 11 who cannot swim 25 metres.
What housing schemes are stopping?
The Council will not proceed with planned new build housing developments at Ashburton and Lennox estates, Fitzhugh Estate, Tyneham Close and Lavender Hill.
It will also not proceed with converting Morella Road into self-contained units and will consider alternative uses for the site, including disposal.
What is happening to the Alton estate?
The Council will continue to deliver Block A of the Alton estate and will review the rest of the scheme to make sure it delivers value for residents.
What is changing in children’s services?
The Council will focus on earlier intervention, family-based care, better commissioning of placements and SEND reform.
Local breakfast club provision will be phased out as schools move to the national scheme, the Youth Bus has ended, and additional school-based mental health support and social workers in schools will not be extended.
What is happening to Wandsworth Grants Fund?
The Wandsworth Grants Fund will be suspended for four years because of the scale of the financial challenge.
The position will be kept under review and the fund will be reinstated sooner if the Council’s financial circumstances allow.