Council leader condemns proposed council tax increase from commons conservators

Council leader Simon Hogg has written to the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators criticising their proposed 12.6 per cent increase in the levy they charge for maintaining their open spaces.

In a letter written to the conservators this week the leader of the council said the proposed increase is “wholly unacceptable” and urged the organisation to reconsider.

The conservators levy an annual charge from around 28,000 Wandsworth households. Last year this levy ranged from £21 for Band A households to £64 for those in Band H homes.

Those living closest to Wimbledon and Putney Commons pay this extra levy which pays for their upkeep based upon boundaries set in 1871.

In his letter he said: “Wandsworth Council hopes to continue our long history of cooperation. We are happy to work closely with the Wimbledon & Putney Commons Conservators to find ways of joint working that identify efficiencies to maintain and improve our commons.

“I was pleased to meet with you and your Chief Executive recently to discuss the concerns of Wandsworth Council about a potential increase in the council tax levy we collect on your behalf from tens of thousands of residents in the west of our borough.

“I understand that you plan to increase the levy by the maximum amount, 12.6 per cent. We believe that this increase during a cost-of-living crisis is wholly unacceptable.

“We cannot support such a large increase in your levy. I would ask that Conservators reconsider the decision and follow Wandsworth Council’s example by providing improved services for the same low council tax.”