Full Breakdown
London Council Tax Increase Proposed to Combat Mobile Phone Theft
1/16/2026, 2:51:53 AM
Proposed Tax Increase and Funding Allocation
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has announced plans to increase council tax bills by more than £20 annually for the average Band D household. If approved, this would raise the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept to over £500 for the first time, with the total council tax for Band D residents proposed to rise from £490.38 in 2025-26 to £510.51 in 2026-27. The additional revenue is intended to provide crucial funding for the Metropolitan Police to enhance efforts against mobile phone theft, which has seen a significant rise in recent years.
Rising Mobile Phone Theft Rates
The Metropolitan Police has reported a sharp increase in mobile phone thefts, with 117,211 phones stolen in 2024, up from 91,481 in 2019—a 25% increase. Alarmingly, only 1% of these cases have led to charges or convictions. Areas like Oxford Street have become hotspots for such crimes, prompting police to issue public warnings to remain vigilant.
Official Statements and Responses
Mayor Khan stated, “This will help to implement a major crackdown on phone theft – with more resources to smash the phone gangs,” emphasizing the necessity of the tax increase to enhance public safety. He also highlighted that the proposed funding would allow for a record investment of £1.22 billion in policing for the upcoming year. In contrast, Conservative London Assembly Member Neil Garratt criticized Khan for not addressing the issue of mobile phone theft sooner, questioning how many Londoners have suffered due to delayed action.
Financial Context and Budget Implications
The proposed council tax increase is part of a broader budget strategy that aims to allocate £1.66 billion from Londoners to various services, including policing, Transport for London (TfL), and the London Fire Brigade. The GLA’s funding for the Metropolitan Police is expected to rise from £1.16 billion to £1.22 billion, addressing a projected £20 million budget gap faced by the force in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics, including Garratt, have expressed concerns regarding the timing of the mayor's decision, suggesting that immediate action was necessary to combat the escalating crime rates. Garratt remarked, “How many Londoners have had their day ruined and their life turned upside down while the mayor has been idling his way to this decision?”
What's Next
The draft budget, which includes the proposed council tax increase, will undergo scrutiny by the London Assembly before final approval. The Assembly is set to consider the budget on February 26, 2026, at which point the council tax precepts will be confirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Bearing down on crime and keeping Londoners safe is my top priority as Mayor.” — Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
- “This will help to implement a major crackdown on phone theft – with more resources to smash the phone gangs,” — Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
- “How many Londoners have had their day ruined and their life turned upside down while the mayor has been idling his way to this decision?” — Neil Garratt, Conservative London Assembly Member
