Council tax bills are set to increase nationwide starting today, as most local authorities are raising the levy to support essential services. According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the average Band D property will experience a £111 rise for the 2026-2027 period.
The majority of financially strained local councils are opting for the maximum increase of 4.99%, a trend observed in recent years. This adjustment does not require a resident referendum. The additional revenue is deemed necessary by many councils to maintain services like waste collection, libraries, and recreational facilities amid challenging financial circumstances.
While most councils are sticking to the set limit, some have received special permission to exceed it. Notable examples include Worcestershire County Council under Reform control and Labour-led authorities like Trafford and Warrington, North Somerset, Shropshire, and Worcestershire, with increases ranging from 6.74% to nearly 9%.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government emphasized that councils have autonomy over their tax rates and should aim to keep the burden on working individuals minimal. To support local finances, £78 billion has been allocated for the coming year, with flexibility for councils to allocate funds based on local priorities.
To check the projected increase in your area, enter your postcode and council tax band in the searchable widget below. Properties are categorized into bands A to H based on their value as of April 1, 1991, with the Band D rate serving as a benchmark for calculating payments.
Council tax is distributed into “precepts” by various authorities, each with varying rate increases. These precepts fund services such as emergency response, policing, and social care. Our calculations focus on the social care authority, which typically forms the largest portion of the bill and varies depending on your local council type.
Certain groups may qualify for council tax discounts or exemptions, while mixed households may be liable for the full rate. Eligibility can be verified through the provided link.
The data presented is sourced from official council records. Residents can request updates or corrections by contacting the specified email addresses.
