Residents near Wimbledon and Putney Commons could see ‘unacceptable’ levy rise

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Residents living close to Wimbledon and Putney Commons could soon see an “unacceptable increase” to a special levy they pay on top of their regular council tax bill.

People living within three-quarters of a mile of the commons have to pay a Commons Levy, which last year ranged from £21 to £64 a year.

The tax, paid in 10 monthly instalments, contributes to the upkeep of the commons which span more than 450 hectares.

Now, the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators (WPCC) plan on increasing the charge by more than 12 per cent this April. This will mean the annual cost for a Band D property will increase by £3.82 to £35.96.

However, the leaders of Merton and Wandsworth councils have come out against the price hike saying they are “appalled” by the move.

In a joint statement, Merton’s councillor Ross Garrod, and Wandsworth’s councillor Simon Hogg, said: “Merton and Wandsworth Councils remain committed to working closely with the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators.

“However, we were appalled to discover that, in the midst of a cost of living emergency, the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators are proposing to increase their commons levy by more than 12.4pc and are also considering increasing the levy by an additional 25 per cent in the future.”

In a separate letter to the body, cllr Garrod, said the levy also adds administrative costs onto the council’s own books as it is collected by the authority on behalf of the commons.

He added: “Such a large increase in the Commons Levy at this time is inappropriate and unacceptable. As we made clear in our meeting, we cannot support such an increase.”

In board papers, the WPCC outlines that the increase would make the organisation an extra  £167,238 a year which would “support the work of the charity”.

A spokesperson for WPCC said the group is “aware” of the objections from Merton and Wandsworth but added that any benefits and reductions to tax residents are entitled to would be applied to the levy by the councils.

They said: “Under charity law, the Conservators have a duty to act only in the best interests of the charity and the commons. This includes ensuring that WPCC has the resources to protect and maintain this valuable open space.

“Recent years have seen a significant increase in the numbers of people using the commons, an indication of the hugely important role these open spaces play in improving the physical and mental well-being of the local community.

“However, this growth in visitor numbers has resulted in a substantial increase in the cost of managing and maintaining the commons.”

Pictured top: Wimbledon Common at  the Windmill Road entrance (Picture: Google Street View)