An outgoing cabinet minister and the leader of Westminster City Council have both urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham not to pursue policies that would, in their view, make London worse off as part of efforts to rebalance funding across the country.
Concerns over fairness to Londoners
In his resignation letter, the outgoing minister — identified in press reports as a London MP — said he would "always fight to ensure London is treated fairly" while the capital’s devolution, taxation and funding arrangements are reviewed. He stressed his pride in being a London MP and pointed to his record on planning reforms and council housing during his time in government.
“I’m proud to be a London MP and I’ll always fight to ensure London is treated fairly as you explore new models of devolution, taxation and funding.”
Separately, Paul Swaddle, leader of Westminster City Council, wrote to Mr Burnham warning explicitly that the route to stronger national growth is not to "diminish London". In his letter he argued the UK faces a national growth problem rather than a "London problem", and that weakening the capital would damage the wider tax base, inward investment, visitor economy and international competitiveness on which the rest of the country relies.
Objection to proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge
Mr Swaddle also urged the new government to review policy areas that could undermine the growth mission. He singled out the proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge as an example and made clear Westminster does not support the measure "either in principle or design", warning it would hit the city hard given local property values.
- Outgoing minister emphasised his commitment to defend London’s interests.
- Westminster leader warned that weakening London would reduce national tax revenues and investment.
- Council opposes the proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge for Westminster.
Local impact and wider context
Westminster is one of the UK’s most economically significant boroughs, with a substantial share of national economic activity concentrated in its boundaries. Changes to taxation or surcharges targeted at high-value properties in central London would, according to the council leader’s letter, have disproportionate effects on local taxpayers and the finances that support council services.
The outgoing minister’s reference to planning and housing reforms and the claim that more council homes were built in the last year than at any time since records began are presented as part of his wider defence of the policies pursued while in office.
| Source | Point raised |
|---|---|
| Resignation letter (outgoing minister) | Commitment to defend London; record on planning and council housing |
| Paul Swaddle, Westminster City Council | Warning against measures that would weaken London; opposition to High Value Council Tax Surcharge |
As the new prime minister sets out priorities, local leaders and London MPs are signalling they will scrutinise proposals for devolution and taxation closely, particularly where measures might shift burdens onto Londoners or affect the capital’s role in the national economy.
Further local reaction and any formal consultation on specific proposals such as a High Value Council Tax Surcharge will determine how contentious these measures become in Westminster and beyond.
