Residents living near commons could see levy on top of council tax increase

By Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter

Residents living near Wimbledon and Putney commons could see a special levy they have to pay on top of their regular council tax bill rise by around a quarter to meet growing maintenance costs.

Charity Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators (WPCC) said it needs to raise about £375,000 more a year to secure the long-term future of the commons, which span 1,140 acres.

The charity said the extra funds would support yearly costs linked to the commons’ masterplan, balance the charity’s operating budget and pay for works that have been deferred due to budget constraints.

It is holding a formal consultation on the proposals, with households in the levy-paying area able to provide feedback until October 29.

Maintenance of the commons is mainly funded by a levy on those living within three-quarters of a mile of Wimbledon Common’s perimeter, or within the old Parish of Putney as it was in 1871.

The levy is set by the charity and collected by Wandsworth, Merton and Kingston councils.

WPCC already increased the levy by 11.9 per cent for the 2023/24 financial year, which saw the annual cost for a band D property rise by £3.82 to £35.96.

The charity now wants to increase the levy by about 25.2 per cent per year for each council tax band, in addition to any future annual inflationary increases, due to additional challenges it faces.

Under the proposals, the new charge would range from about £29.99 to £90.02. The average charge for a band D property would rise by £9.05 to £45.01.

The levy has increased in line with inflation since 1990 but, in consultation documents, WPCC said this is no longer enough to cover the costs of properly maintaining the commons and protecting their habitats.

The charity said Covid had resulted in greater usage of the commons, which had “increased the wear and tear on the infrastructure and resulted in greater management issues and more litter”.

The charity also said the way it works has changed in recent years, with extra responsibilities regarding health and safety, tree and building safety, data protection and charity management.

The charity added it is using reserves to fund current operations, and that climate change and growing population demand are likely to present further challenges.

Projects outlined in the commons’ masterplan which could be supported by the extra £375,000 in yearly funds include improvements to paths, rides and cycle routes, the restoration of wetlands and the creation of wildflower meadows.

Once the consultation has closed, the charity will consider the feedback and publish a summary on its website.

The charity has been contacted for comment.

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