Politics
Eltham City Council Approves 2026-2027 Budget With Phased Rate Adjustments Starting January 2027
Property owners in Eltham will receive updated council rate notices reflecting a 3.2 percent average increase from January 2027, following the 7 July council vote on the annual budget.
How we reported this
Eltham City Council passed its 2026-2027 budget on 7 July with a 9-4 vote, setting property rate adjustments that take effect in the first billing cycle of the new calendar year. The measure also allocates £2.8 million to road resurfacing across six wards and £1.1 million to expand library operating hours at the High Street branch.
The vote followed the release of the council's draft budget papers in May, which projected a £4.6 million shortfall in general revenue due to reduced central government grants. Council documents state the adjustments are required to maintain current service levels without drawing further from reserves, which stood at £12.3 million at the end of the prior fiscal year.
Effects on household costs and services
Residents in owner-occupied homes valued between £250,000 and £400,000 will see an average annual increase of £78 on their rate notices. The budget papers list specific line items for waste collection frequency, which remains unchanged, and for the continuation of the existing parks maintenance schedule at 14 sites including Avery Hill and Well Hall.
Business ratepayers in the town centre will face a separate 2.8 percent levy rise, with the first instalment due in April 2027. Council records indicate this category covers 1,240 commercial properties and is projected to generate £410,000 in additional revenue.
Next steps and public information
Rate notices are scheduled for printing in December 2026 and will be mailed by 15 January 2027. The council has stated that an online calculator for individual property estimates will be available on its website from 1 September. Residents may request payment plans through the revenue office up to 30 days after receiving their notices.
Further adjustments to the budget can only occur through a supplementary vote at a future council meeting, according to the local government standing orders adopted in 2023. The next scheduled review of service allocations is set for the February 2027 ordinary meeting.