Mitcham Infrastructure Levy Referendum: Effects on Local Road Repairs and Park Upkeep

The Mitcham Infrastructure Levy Referendum asks voters to approve or reject a proposed addition to council rates that would fund road resurfacing and park maintenance across the borough. The measure appears on the ballot for 15 August 2026 and applies to all rateable properties within Mitcham boundaries.

National legislation passed in 2025 requires local authorities to seek explicit resident approval before introducing new levies above a set threshold. Mitcham Council placed the question before voters after its 2026 budget paper showed a projected shortfall of £1.8 million in capital works for transport and open spaces over the next three years.

Changes to household payments and services

Under the measure a typical Band C property would face an extra £48 per year if the levy passes. The additional revenue would cover scheduled resurfacing on 12 kilometres of local roads including sections of London Road and Church Road plus replacement of play equipment at three named parks. Residents who use public buses or walk to the High Street would see the same maintenance schedule regardless of whether they own or rent their home.

Policy analysts note that the council currently spends £920,000 annually on these items from existing rates. The levy would lift that figure by roughly 65 percent in the first year according to the budget paper. Local advocates point out that without new funds the council has already deferred two road schemes scheduled for 2026.

Timeline after the vote

If approved the levy would appear on rate notices issued in March 2027 and run for an initial three-year period. Council officers would publish quarterly progress reports on the funded projects starting in July 2027. If rejected the existing maintenance budget would remain in place and the council would need to identify other savings or apply for external grants.