Politics
Mitcham Mayor Cuts Funding for Parks, Libraries, Youth Programs
The revised policy sets 2026-2027 funding levels for parks, libraries and youth programmes while adjusting council tax bands across the borough.
How we reported this
The Mayor of Mitcham released an update to the borough's Local Government Budget Allocation Policy on 7 July 2026. The change reallocates portions of the council's general fund and sets new council tax rates for the financial year beginning April 2027. It directly affects the 65,000 residents who pay council tax or use council-run facilities.
The update follows the annual requirement under the Local Government Finance Act for councils to review spending plans after receiving the national settlement figures. Mitcham Borough Council completed its internal review in June and published the revised allocations last week. Policy analysts say the timing aligns with the end of the previous three-year spending envelope.
Changes to household costs and daily services
Residents in Band C properties will see their annual council tax bill rise by £48 under the new bands. The policy directs an extra £850,000 from the general fund to the parks and leisure department and another £420,000 to youth services. Local advocates note that the library opening hours at the Mitcham Library on London Road will remain at 48 hours per week rather than face proposed cuts.
The legislation states that 60 per cent of the new youth allocation must support after-school programmes at the three existing centres in the borough. Council documents show the parks money will fund maintenance at Figges Marsh and the Canons recreation ground, including path repairs scheduled for autumn 2026.
Next steps for implementation
A formal consultation period opens on 15 July and runs for six weeks. Residents can submit comments through the council website or at the civic centre on London Road. The full council is scheduled to vote on the final figures in September before the new rates take effect in April 2027.