Council Tax bills 2026 to 2027: Leader's message

Dear Resident, 

Your Council Tax pays for the services our borough relies on. From keeping streets clean and collecting rubbish, supporting care for vulnerable adults, helping children and families when they need it most, to maintaining local roads, libraries, youth centres, parks and green spaces. It also contributes to community safety in our borough as well as fire, transport and police services across London. Often this work goes unseen, but it makes a real difference.

Our main goal is to plan for the future, which is why all the decisions we make save public money, keep us financially sound and ensure value for money for taxpayers. Unlike other councils asking for a government bailout, we are stable and well-managed because we are constantly reviewing and improving the way things are done to make sure you get the most out of your Council Tax. 

This message shows how we’re dealing with pressures and getting things done. Plus, over the past year, we have made our largest ever investment into Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, with £36.4million to open a brand-new school and a facility for young adults so support doesn’t end after school. We have also doubled our budget to repair potholes and resurface roads and invested in community safety. This is being done with money we have negotiated from developers along with grants we’ve won. 

Demand for local services continues to grow, with more residents needing support at every stage of life. We welcome the government’s three-year funding settlement, but rising demand and costs across London mean we must use resources carefully, deliver value for money and protect everyday services. 

To continue doing this, we have made the difficult decision to ask you to contribute a little more through your Council Tax. For many residents, the rise in Council Tax is £1.85 a week, 39p of which goes to the Greater London Authority (GLA). This small increase pays for more than you might realise, you can see a full breakdown on the this page. 

If you are struggling, and would like support with the rising costs or information on how to access help visit the Greenwich Supports page.

Thank you for playing a part in making Greenwich a place where people look after one another and neighbourhoods thrive.

Councillor Anthony Okereke,
Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich

Our funding challenges

• 52% of the borough's 289,100 residents live in poverty, that's nearly 1 in 5 children
• Almost £13 million a year is spent supporting homeless households in temporary accommodation
• £34 million is this year's cost of inflation, population and other growth
• £108 million a year to support children in need, families, and those in care, including private care placements
• £35 million gap by 2027 to 2028, rising to £101 million by 2029 to 2030, if funding doesn't change
• £145 million is needed for adult social care including personal and long-term support

Despite challenges, here are a few of the services we are proud to deliver

• 70,000 free holiday lunches for children since 2022
• 35,000 free journeys for older residents and disabled residents, totalling £10 million
• 12 libraries and 9 leisure centres, including brand new Woolwich Waves
• £22 million in Council Tax Support for 19,000 residents
• 9 Wellbeing in School Hubs, offering support to children
• 6,000 trees planted since 2022
• 1,750 new council homes with over half completed

An extra one-off investment of £60 million to get things done

• £4.4 million tackling crime and antisocial behaviour by funding more enforcement officers and mobile CCTV
• £36.4 million on a new primary specialist SEND school and facility for children up to the age of 25
• £8 million to resurface more roads and pavements and fill potholes
• £5 million to tackle fly-tipping doubling enforcement, CCTV and clearing hotspots quicker
• £2.5 million to invest in arts and culture while creating creative opportunities for young people
• £2.1 million for Eltham, Greenwich and Woolwich town centres
• £1.5 million on a proposed Community Hub in Coldharbour

What the change in Council Tax means for you

Council Tax is rising by 4.99%. This also funds the police and transport across London. This table shows how much this will cost you:

GLA goes straight to the Mayor of London to pay for:

• Transport for London
• policing and crime
• London Fire Brigade

How the increase affects you

*Check your Council Tax band on GOV.UK