Council tax bills are increasing nationwide starting today, as most local authorities are raising the levy to support essential services. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reports that the average Band D property will experience a £111 rise for the 2026-2027 period.
Many cash-strapped councils are opting to raise the tax by the maximum allowed percentage of 4.99%, a trend seen in recent years without needing resident referendums. This increase is deemed necessary by councils to maintain services like waste collection, libraries, and recreational facilities amid challenging financial conditions.
While most councils stick to the set maximum increase, some have obtained special permission to exceed it. Worcestershire County Council under Reform control, along with Labour-controlled Trafford, Warrington, North Somerset, Shropshire, and Worcestershire, have been allowed 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 levels and should strive to keep the burden on taxpayers minimal. The government has allocated £78 billion for local authorities next year, with the majority of funds unrestricted to enable local leaders to allocate resources based on local needs.
Use our searchable widget by entering your postcode and selecting your council tax band to view the anticipated increase in your area. Properties are categorized into bands A to H based on their value in 1991, determining the amount payable.
Council tax comprises various “precepts” from different authorities, each increasing at varying rates to cover services such as fire, police, and social care in your locality. Eligible groups may qualify for discounts or exemptions from paying council tax.
If you reside in a mixed household, you might still be liable to pay the full rate. Verify your eligibility for discounts here.
Figures are sourced from official council documents but are subject to change. To suggest updates for your area’s figures, contact ashley.cowburn@mirror.co.uk and lizzy.buchan@mirror.co.uk with ‘Council Tax’ as the subject line.
Search tool developed by DAVID DUBAS-FISHER of the REACH DATA UNIT
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