This Year's Wimbledon and Putney Commons Levy Confirmed
Rises by 2.7% in line with Retail Price Index
The Conservators are responsible for Putney and Wimbledon Commons. Picture: WPCC
March 3, 2025
The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators (WPCC) has confirmed that the levy for the 2025/26 financial year is to rise by 2.7%.
This has been increased in line with the Retail Price Index and will mean that the annual levy for a Band D property go up from £39.15 to £40.10.
Although this is the maximum allowed, it is significantly less than last year when higher inflation led to a 8.9% increase which was opposed by both local authorities.
The maximum levy will rise from £1,622,642 in 2024/25 to £1,666,382 in 2025/26, generating an additional £43,739 to support the charity’s work.
The levy, established under the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act of 1871, remains the primary source of funding for the maintenance and conservation of the Commons. It is collected as a precept on the Council Tax for properties within three-quarters of a mile of Wimbledon Common (including Putney Heath) or within the historic Parish of Putney, as defined in 1871 and is paid by some Wandsworth, Kingston and Merton borough residents.
All Council Tax exemptions and benefits also apply to the Commons levy, meaning that those not liable for Council Tax remain unaffected by the change.
WPCC Chairman, Mauro Mattiuzzo, said, "The continued support from the levy enables us to sustainably manage and conserve the Commons, and the Conservators are steadfast in their mission to ensure the Commons remain accessible for visitors and as a home for wildlife. However, as with many other organisations, the charity is facing increasing costs on its day-to-day expenses, not least of which is the incoming rise in National Insurance which will cost WPCC an additional £28,000 this year. In addition to the vital increase in the overall levy amount, we are also actively exploring new income streams to support larger infrastructure projects and, to this end, the Board has approved the creation of an additional fundraising role to help drive these efforts forward."
The WPCC was established under the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act of 1871. The Commons comprise some 1,140 acres across Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common.
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