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London Mayor Proposes £20 Tax Hike to Combat Phone Thefts

1/16/2026

23 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, proposes raising council tax by more than £20 annually for the average Band D household.
The increase would fund police efforts against rising mobile phone theft.
The Metropolitan Police reported a 25% rise in phone thefts from 2019 to 2024, with 1% charged.
The budget would total £1.22 billion for policing.
The London Assembly will review the final budget in February 2026.

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Story summary

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, proposes raising council tax by more than £20 annually for the average Band D household.
The increase would fund police efforts against rising mobile phone theft.
The Metropolitan Police reported a 25% rise in phone thefts from 2019 to 2024, with 1% charged.
The budget would total £1.22 billion for policing.
The London Assembly will review the final budget in February 2026.