Council tax hikes: Thousands of Londoners to pay for first time while some face bills doubling

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At a glance...

• Kensington and Chelsea Council plans to make low-income residents pay council tax for the first time and double bills for second-home owners to address a £139 million funding gap

• The council blames Government funding cuts under the Fair Funding Review, warning of inevitable tax rises and service reductions

• London Councils warn the capital faces a £4.7 billion shortfall by 2029, with many boroughs at risk of bankruptcy or needing emergency Government bailouts.

Thousands more vulnerable Londoners face paying council tax for the first time while some r