Politics
Eltham Community Services Levy Referendum to Shape Local Social Program Funding
Residents across Eltham wards will vote on a proposed levy that would direct new revenue to community centers and social support services used by local families and older adults.
How we reported this
The Eltham Community Services Levy Referendum asks voters whether to approve a new local funding mechanism for social programs. Passage would require a 0.4 percent increase in the council tax base starting in the 2027 financial year and would directly affect residents who use youth clubs, elder day centers and community hubs operated by Eltham Council.
Council budget papers released in May 2026 show that existing allocations for these services have remained flat since 2022 while the number of registered users at the Eltham Centre rose by 1,450 people. The measure appears on the ballot because the council must secure voter approval under the Local Government Finance Act before raising the levy ceiling.
Families in the Well Hall and Avery Hill wards would gain access to an additional 12 weekly after-school sessions at the Archery Road facility if the levy is approved. Older residents registered with the home support team could receive two extra visits per month from care workers based at the Eltham Centre on High Street.
Projected Revenue and Spending Breakdown
Eltham Council finance documents estimate the levy would raise £1.85 million in its first full year. The legislation requires £920,000 to be spent on youth outreach programs, £620,000 on expanded elder care coordination and the remaining £310,000 on maintenance at five community venues located within the borough boundary.
Policy analysts at the local authority note that the ring-fenced sums cannot be transferred to other council departments. The ballot guide sent to every household will list these allocations in pounds and pence alongside the current service hours at each site.
Ballot papers will be mailed on 20 August 2026 and polling stations will operate on 10 September. Results are scheduled for release on 11 September, after which the levy would be collected alongside the existing council tax from April 2027 onward if the measure passes.