Kemi Badenoch Orders Legal Challenge Over Wandsworth’s 94% Tax Hike

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has ordered lawyers to challenge Labour funding cuts after Wandsworth Council announced a staggering 94 per cent council tax increase. According to GB News, the South London borough was forced into the massive hike after losing 40 per cent of its central government funding.

Appearing on BBC Newsnight, Mrs Badenoch condemned the funding settlement, accusing officials of stripping resources from areas that do not support the Labour Party. The Conservative-run authority, historically famed for maintaining some of the lowest council tax rates in the nation, warned that Band D properties face an eye-watering £958 annual increase.

The local authority attributed the shortfall to the government’s Fair Funding reforms, which redistribute local government grants away from the capital. Council representatives noted that the 40 per cent funding reduction directly threatens local spending on frontline services, including libraries, parks, leisure centres, and street cleaning.

Legal Action Under the Sustainable Communities Act

In response to the mounting financial crisis, Conservative leadership and council representatives are preparing formal legal challenges. Discussions are underway to utilise the Sustainable Communities Act to formally appeal the funding settlement and demand a government reconsideration.

It is not fair that Wandsworth was forced to increase council tax to make up the funding gap.

— Kemi Badenoch, BBC Newsnight

• Wandsworth Council faces a 40 per cent reduction in central government funding.
• Band D properties face a projected £958 council tax increase.
• Conservative leadership has instructed lawyers to challenge the funding settlement.

Government representatives have countered that local authorities retain autonomy over setting council tax levels while prioritizing local taxpayer interests. Meanwhile, legal teams continue preparations to challenge the funding formula as the dispute escalates.

Original source: Read the full report at GB News