Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 20 July 2026, to Question 18022, on Council Tax: City of Westminster and Wandsworth, whether an assessment has been made of the impact of potential increases in council tax on levels of council tax arrears in those areas.

The equalities impacts of the proposed approach to referendum principles was considered as part of the multi-year Settlement for the period 2026-27 to 2028-29. This included the proposal to not set council tax referendum principles for six councils including Westminster and Wandsworth.

Local authorities are responsible for setting council tax levels in their area and for considering the potential impact of those decisions, including on council tax arrears.

To support vulnerable residents, councils are required to put in place council tax reduction schemes. This includes 100% reductions for pensioners on the lowest income, which is centrally prescribed, and support for working age people, which is locally prescribed.