6 London councils that increased their Christmas light budgets this year

A new report by Monster-Mesh which compared FOI data across 73 UK council areas, has revealed where festive budgets are being cut and boosted. Across London RB Richmond upon Thames Council is expected to have increased their festive light display budget by the highest percentage year-on-year (89%).

In 2024, it spent £5,153, however, this is expected to increase by around £4,604 this year, reaching a forecast £9,757.

Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton, Lewisham and Bexley London Borough Councils all saw budget increases this year, ranging from 2-89%. Whilst Tower Hamlets has the largest budget in 2025 across London, with spend estimated to reach £130,010, this only signifies a 2% increase on last year.

Overall budgets vary as Councils choose to fund lighting in different ways, including increased BID, third party and parish council controlled events. These figures represent direct council contirbutions.

How fourteen London Councils are changing festive light display budgets this year

RB Kingston Upon Thames (89%)

• 2024 spending: £5,153
• Budget forecast 2025: £9,757
• Estimated change YoY: £4,604

LB Wandsworth Council (68%)

• 2024 spending: £47,610
• Budget forecast 2025: £80,000
• Estimated change YoY: £32,390

LB Merton Council (10%)

• 2024 spending: £33,785
• Budget forecast 2025: £37,100
• Estimated change YoY: £3,315

LB Sutton (7%)

• 2024 spending: £42,060
• Budget forecast 2025: £45,000
• Estimated change YoY: £2,940

LB Lewisham (2%)

• 2024 spending: £25,433
• Budget forecast 2025: £25,948
• Estimated change YoY: £515

LB Bexley Council (2%)

• 2024 spending: £24,650
• Budget forecast 2025: £25,060
• Estimated change YoY: £410

LB Tower Hamlets Council (0%)

• 2024 spending: £130,010
• Budget forecast 2025: £130,010
• Estimated change YoY: £0

LB Waltham Forest Council (0%)

• 2024 spending: £121,000
• Budget forecast 2025: £121,000
• Estimated change YoY: £0

LB Redbridge Council (0%)

• 2024 spending: £50,000
• Budget forecast 2025: £50,000
• Estimated change YoY: £0

Enfield Council (0%)

• 2024 spending: £125,000
• Budget forecast 2025: £125,000
• Estimated change YoY: £0

LB Lambeth Council (0%)

• 2024 spending: £15,000
• Budget forecast 2025: £15,000
• Estimated change YoY: £0

LB Southwark Council (-1%)

• 2024 spending: £25,000
• Budget forecast 2025: £24,750
• Estimated change YoY: -£250

RB Greenwich (Eltham, Woolwich, Greenwich) (-19%)

• 2024 spending: £39,247
• Budget forecast 2025: £31,850
• Estimated change YoY: -£7,397

City of Westminster (-57%)

• 2024 spending: £146,651
• Budget forecast 2025: £62,998
• Estimated change YoY: -£83,653

London Borough of Southwark, Royal Borough of Greenwich and City of Westminster Councils have all managed to save money this year, reducing spending by 1%, 19% and 57% respectively. This equates to a £83,653 saving for City of Westminster Council, one of the biggest savings across all UK councils who responded to the Freedom of Information requests.

Commenting on the findings, Mark McLennan, Founder at Monster-Mesh said,

“Christmas lights aren’t just decoration, for many towns they play a vital role in creating community spirit and drawing people back into high streets. So while we’re seeing some councils in London scaling back direct spending, it’s no surprise others are choosing to invest more heavily. A well-run switch-on event can transform a winter evening, boost footfall, and give local businesses a much-needed lift during the busiest retail period of the year.

“Our analysis also highlights a clear focus on organisation and safety behind the scenes. Around 62% of councils are increasing their safety and security budgets for 2025. We’re seeing strong demand for fence and barrier covers from cities staging switch-ons, as councils work to ensure that festive celebrations feel welcoming, well-managed and safe for all to enjoy.”

Council spending across the UK

While many areas are cutting back and freezing budgets, others have allocated sizeable increases. Lights and switch-ons help create a sense of community, and in some cases help to revive town-centres and drive footfall.

A significant number (40%), are still investing in their winter lights and events, with many of these councils noting that the additional spend is due to adding new or returning switch on events to the calendar, or replacing broken or outdated lights and decor.