Council tax bills rise by around 5% across most of England
The vast majority of upper-tier councils raised council tax by the maximum allowed without a referendum, with several given permission to go higher.
By Money Guide editorial team
Published:
Most upper-tier English councils raised council tax bills by 4.99% from April — 2.99% on core council tax plus a 2% adult social care precept — the maximum allowed without holding a local referendum. Several councils granted special permission to exceed the cap raised bills by between 6% and 9.99%.
Average Band D council tax in England is now around £2,300 a year, with significant variation by area. Households in the lowest valuation bands pay around two-thirds of the Band D figure; those in Band H pay double.
Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is a means-tested discount scheme run separately by each local authority and can reduce a bill by up to 100% for low-income households. Single occupants always qualify for a 25% discount; full-time students and severely mentally impaired residents are disregarded for council tax purposes entirely.
Anyone who believes their property is in the wrong council tax band can challenge it free of charge via the Valuation Office Agency. Successful challenges are backdated to the date of moving in.