Brutal 70% council tax rise looming over households as authority set to hike charge – is your area affected?

Comment now Next THOUSANDS more households are facing bumper bill rises next year as their Council Tax could increase by up to 70%. Another London council has revealed it is considering a huge council tax hike after changes to government funding left it facing tough financial choices. Council Tax is set to increase in several London boroughs next April Source: Alamy Our map below shows which councils are considering above-cap council tax rises Advertisement Kensington and Chelsea Council will consult residents before deciding whether to press ahead with the huge hike in its budget on November 12.

The average Band D Council Tax bill in Kensington and Chelsea currently stands at £1,643.44. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. It comes after neighbouring Hammersmith and Fulham warned it could need to hike council tax by as much as 150% . The Labour-run council’s budget report says that would add £29.11 a week to a Band D household’s bill from the 2027/28 tax year — more than £1,500 extra annually.

READ MORE IN MONEY RATE SHOCK Millions hit by Bank of England rate hike - and warning of Xmas 'Grinch' rise AXE FALLS British telecoms giant slashes 11,700 jobs in brutal year-long cull The increase is not confirmed and the council could choose a lower rise. Meanwhile, Wandsworth is planning a 94% increase, which could add £958 to an annual Band D bill, taking it from £1,020 to £1,978. Westminster , the City of London and Windsor and Maidenhead are also among the councils considering above-cap increases.

Barnet, Bromley and Lambeth councils have also asked the Government for permission to increase council tax by more than the 5% limit. Advertisement Most read in Money NORT JUST FOOD Shirtless James Norton stars as hunky Santa in feelgood M&S Christmas ad BARGAIN BUYS Britain's 36 cheapest towns to buy a house with properties going for just £73k JOBS ARMY Major UK employer offering 40 apprenticeships starting next year - how to apply KER-CHING Fab freebies YOU can claim in November - from £300 free cash & £15 spend at M&S The proposed increases are not yet confirmed, and councils could choose lower rises.

Council tax rises are usually capped at 5% a year. Authorities wanting to go further need permission from the Government or must hold a local referendum. The wealthy boroughs have argued that they are being forced to hike the tax after losing more than half of its government grant under Labour’s “fair funding” review. The scheme sees areas hit hardest by austerity receive more government funding than other councils. Advertisement Kensington and Chelsea councillor Emma Will said that the prospect of a rise of up to 70% would be “deeply worrying for residents”.

She said: “I know the prospect of a council tax increase of up to 70 per cent will be deeply worrying for residents. “This is not a proposal I ever wanted to bring forward, but the Government’s unfair funding review has left us facing an almost impossible financial challenge. “We have spent years keeping council tax low and managing public money carefully. “Now, instead of being rewarded for that record, we are effectively being punished for it.”

Advertisement The council says it has already found more than £50million in savings, with over £65million more to come. But it warned further action was needed to avoid even tougher choices in the future. The potential rise would be another blow for some homeowners in the borough, where the average property is worth £1.2million. Owners of homes worth more than £2million also face a separate “mansion tax” from 2028. The annual levy will range from £2,500 to £7,500, depending on the property’s value.

Advertisement Not every household in Kensington and Chelsea will face that charge, but those who qualify could be hit by both bills. The Sun has contacted Kensington and Chelsea Council. A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson previously told The Sun: “Local authorities decide the level of council tax they wish to set, but we are clear that in doing so they should put taxpayers first. RECOMMENDED STORIES “We’ve made over £78billion available for council finances next year, with the majority of money unringfenced so local leaders can decide how best to spend on their local priorities.

“And we’re fixing an outdated funding system so funding goes where need is greatest, while protecting councils through the transition and ensuring no area faces a cliff edge.” Advertisement Comment now