The Wandsworth Council meeting on 4th March 2026 focused heavily on the council's budget and financial strategy for the upcoming years. Key decisions included the approval of the 2026/27 budget, which involves freezing the main element of council tax while increasing the adult social care precept by 2%, and the adoption of the Wandsworth Local Plan Partial Review, aimed at increasing the delivery of affordable housing. The council also approved significant capital investment schemes totalling £52.3 million for 2026/27 and future years, alongside the Treasury Management Strategy and Policy for the upcoming financial year.

Budget and Council Tax 2026/27

The council approved its General Fund Budget Requirement for the coming years, with a significant portion allocated to 2026/27 at £259.0 million. A key decision was to freeze the council's main element of council tax for the fourth consecutive year, maintaining Wandsworth's position as having the lowest council tax in the country. However, an increase of 2% was approved for the adult social care precept to address growing pressures on these critical services. The budget framework was adopted with a restriction that unearmarked reserves should not fall below £6.75 million in 2026/27. The council also noted that the Greater London Authority (GLA) planned a 4.1% increase in its element of the council tax.

The budget proposals were met with significant debate, particularly from the opposition, who raised concerns about the projected budget gap and the reliance on reserves. Councillor Aled Richards-Jones, Leader of the Opposition, highlighted a projected budget black hole of £92 million to £137 million if savings targets were not met, arguing that this was the largest in Wandsworth's history. He questioned the credibility of the administration's commitment to not raising council tax beyond 5% in future years given this gap. Councillor Simon Hogg, Leader of the Council, defended the administration's financial management, stating that Wandsworth had one of the lowest levels of debt and highest financial reserves in London. He pointed to a 25% improvement in recycling rates, free bulky waste collections, and increased investment in community safety and air quality as evidence of value for money. The council tax motion was ultimately passed with 24 votes for, 20 against, and one abstention.

Wandsworth Local Plan Partial Review

The council adopted the Wandsworth Local Plan Partial Review (WLPPR), a significant step towards increasing the delivery of affordable housing in the borough, with a particular focus on social rented housing. This adoption follows the Inspector's report, which confirmed the plan was sound and legally compliant, subject to specific modifications. Key changes introduced by the WLPPR include:

• LP23 Affordable Housing: A minimum of 70% of new affordable homes will be social rented (up from 50%), and sites smaller than 10 dwellings will be required to make a financial contribution towards affordable housing unless 15% of units are provided on-site. The threshold for affordable housing on gross residential development on private, non-industrial land has been reduced from 45% to 35% to align with the London Plan.
• LP28 Purpose-Built Student Accommodation: Proposals will be supported if they do not compromise the borough's need for conventional housing and will include financial contributions towards affordable housing.
• LP31 Specialist Housing for Vulnerable People and Older People: Proposals for re-use or re-development of specialist housing will be expected to prioritise delivering other forms of housing for identified local needs, with an emphasis on social rented housing.

The council also agreed to delegate authority for the finalisation and publication of the WLPPR documentation, and for the consultation and adoption of new Affordable Housing and Student Housing Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) before the June 2026 deadline.

Capital Programme

The council approved additions to the General Fund Capital Programme totalling £52.3 million for 2026/27 and future years. This investment will be financed through grants, developer contributions, council resources, and borrowing. Significant allocations include £19.5 million for the new family and community building at Portswood Place as part of the Alton Estate regeneration, £12.5 million for leisure facilities including new 3G pitches, and £8 million for highway and public realm improvements. The total investment in the borough over the next six years is £470.6 million.

Treasury Management Strategy and Policy

The council approved an updated Treasury Policy Statement for 2026/27, including the determination of the council's borrowing limit and operational boundary. The council currently has no external debt and expects this to continue in the short term, with all borrowing used to fund capital investment. The report noted that the council's cash balances are projected to reduce, and borrowing may be necessary from 2028/29. The Treasury Management Strategy aims to ensure security of capital sums invested and liquidity, while pursuing optimum performance consistent with these risks.

Other Matters

The council also received reports for information from the Cabinet, Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Planning Applications Committee, and the Health and Wellbeing Board. A motion on Wandsworth Council, the lowest council tax in the country was debated and passed. The council also considered a motion on Labour's failure to get a good deal for Wandsworth residents, which was lost.

Finally, the council expressed its sincere appreciation for the service of Councillor Jeremy Ambache as Mayor and Councillor Rosemary Birchall as Deputy Mayor during the Municipal Year 2025/2026.

The meeting concluded with a 10-minute comfort break before a special meeting of the council.