COUNCIL TAX is going up this year after Islington’s Labour councillors voted to approve the annual budget.

Households will pay 4.99 per cent more council tax in 2025 than in 2024, at £1,521.72 per year for Band D properties. This is the maximum amount local authorities are allowed to increase the bill without holding a referendum.

The poorest households, however. will pay no council tax at all. Islington’s finance chief Diarmaid Ward told a council meeting: “We know that these are tough times, but we’re here to support those that need it most – which is why Islington’s lowest-earning households won’t pay a penny of council tax in 2025/26.”

He added: “This Labour council is protecting the council tax support scheme which was brought in last year which has brought 100 per cent council tax relief to 8,000 households across this borough.”

Two per cent of the increased council tax will go towards spending on adult social car.