Residents divided as council tax raised to maximum

Residents are divided over council tax being raised to the maximum allowable amount in Islington, a move which some have deemed “unacceptable”. 

Council tax was raised by a total of 4.99% as part of the new budget for 2026/27, which was approved on February 26.  

Those living in an average (Band D) property will now pay an extra £1.46 per week.  

Other parts of the tax levy are also rising, with the mayor’s portion of council tax increasing by 4.1 per cent in 2026/27.  

“We are already living in a cost-of-living crisis, so why raise the council tax to unacceptable levels,” said Jacqueline Harris, a resident of Caledonian Road.  

“Where is the money going? Around where I live the roads are full of potholes.” 

The increase is part of a wider plan to raise funds to tackle core issues in Islington, including a £324m investment in current council housing and £5m to address anti-social behaviour, public space improvements and street cleanliness. 

A resident who has lived in Islington for 25 years and did not want to be named, said: “We got an email from the mayor who said we are going to be charging you up to the maximum but we’re doing all these wonderful things – liveable streets, better safety, better communities. It’s just craziness, because you might enjoy those things but they’re luxury values.”  

She added: “There is going to be a lot of people who are really going to see their council tax jump and then they have to move out.” 

The Council Tax Support Scheme will receive £28m investment, used to support financially vulnerable homes so lowest income homes will pay no council tax.  

But other residents feel that the increased rates are justified.  

Alexander Gardiner, of Tufnell Park, said: “I think we have a really well-managed council with a huge demand on its services and great need in the community. It has to put up council tax if we’re to avoid cuts to key services.”  

Paul Matz, who lives in Highbury, said: “I’m reasonably happy with it. It would be great if they didn’t have to make an increase, but the council has to try and maintain services at as good a level as they can.”  

He added: “I think the council generally makes good use of its funds.”  

Islington Council declined to comment.

Evie Selby

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