Delivering Value for Money

A recent independent review of Wandsworth Council’s investments, conducted by MUFG Corporate Markets Treasury, confirmed that Wandsworth achieves the strongest investment returns among local authorities in London, with averages of 5.10 per cent in 2024/25 and 4.48 per cent so far in 2025/26. 

Efficient use of public money 

Wandsworth makes every pound go further through a combination of savings, efficiencies and preventative work.  

This includes:  

• £14m saved through efficiencies, service redesign, improved contracts and smarter staff structures since 2022 
• £10m saved every year through the Better Service Partnership   
• High-quality service costs 25 per cent lower than neighbouring London boroughs  
• £30m saved through smarter long-term service contracts  
• £11m saved through improved recycling  
• £3.7m avoided each year in homelessness costs through early intervention. These savings reduce pressure on council tax and allow more funding to be directed into frontline services 

Developer Funding, Not Council Tax 

Major council-led improvements across the borough are funded through money the council collects from property developer, with no added cost to taxpayers.  

These funds, totalling £230m since 2022, have been used for:  

• New and improved parks and community spaces 
• Leisure facilities and sports improvements  
• Upgraded streets, pavements and town centres  
• Community safety investments including CCTV  
• New infrastructure supporting growth  

Key Successes achieved through partnerships to provide excellent value for residents at no cost to local taxpayers:  

Apple’s Digital Creativity Programme – Giving young people access to cutting-edge digital learning.  

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Providing free monthly books to children, supporting early learning.  

Springfield Park – The largest new park in London in more than a decade, delivered through strategic investment and partnerships