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Badenoch says she is instructing lawyers to challenge government after Tory-run council's 94% tax hike
Badenoch said lawyers will examine whether an £84 million annual funding cut can be blocked after Wandsworth proposed a 94% council tax increase.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has instructed lawyers to challenge the government over an £84m-a-year funding cut blamed for Wandsworth Council's proposed 94% council tax increase.
Ministers defended reforms to an 'outdated' funding system, lifting the usual 5% cap on annual rises after central cuts; Badenoch claimed the government removed 40% of Wandsworth's funding.
Wandsworth has historically maintained low rates, with Band D properties paying just over £1,000, but the planned £958 increase would nearly double bills. Labour councillor Simon Hogg called the rise 'unfair' and 'unnecessary.'
Three local Labour MPs refused to support the council's appeal, claiming it 'was in a strong financial position' before the May elections. Other London councils including Westminster, Richmond, and Kensington and Chelsea are considering legal action under the Sustainable Communities Act.
A final decision on the proposed tax hike is not expected until early next year. Wandsworth Council's deputy leader vowed to challenge the government by 'every possible means.