The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators have launched a formal consultation to seek the views of all levy-paying households and key stakeholders on a proposal to increase the Commons’ levy to fund the sustainable management of the Commons.
The levy is paid by those living within three quarters of a mile of the perimeter of Wimbledon Common, or within the old Parish of Putney. It is set by the Commons but is collected by the local councils on the charity’s behalf and is aligned to each household’s Council Tax bill. Since 1990 the levy has been increased in line with inflation and in 2022/23 raised £1.3 million of the £2.2 million cost of managing the Commons. The proposed increase for next year would raise an additional £375,000. The extra funds would support the annual costs associated with the Commons’ Masterplan, balance the WPCC operating budget and finance works to buildings and the landscape that have been deferred due to budget constraints.
All levy-paying households should have received consultation documents through the post. The Conservators will also be holding a series of public meetings for all to attend between Wednesday 11th and Saturday 21st October. More information is also available on the Commons website.
Responses to the proposal can be made online or by post and must be submitted no later than 29th October. The Conservators will consider all responses received and publish a summary on their website.
