Council tax in England, Scotland and Wales rose significantly in April 2026. Most English councils raised rates by the maximum permitted 5%, adding around £100–£120 to the typical Band D bill. Some councils — including those facing financial difficulties — raised by even more.
Use the tool below to compare Band D rates (or any other band) for any two UK councils. You can also see the full breakdown from Band A through Band H, and check exactly how much more you're paying in 2026 compared to last year.
Select two councils to compare
Not sure of your band? Check your council tax bill or search your address at voa.service.gov.uk
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2025 & 2026 council tax ratesVerified year-on-year rises
About council tax
What are council tax bands?
Properties in England, Scotland and Wales are placed into bands (A–H) based on their estimated value as of April 1991. Band A covers the lowest value properties and Band H the highest. Band D is used as the standard reference point — all other bands are calculated as a fraction or multiple of the Band D rate. Most properties in the UK fall into bands A, B, C or D.
How much has council tax risen in 2026?
The government allowed most English councils to raise council tax by up to 5% in 2026 without holding a local referendum — split as a 3% core increase and a 2% adult social care precept. Many councils took the full 5%. Some councils facing financial difficulties were granted special permission to raise by more. Scottish councils set their own rates independently.
How do I find my council tax band?
You can check your band on your council tax bill, or search your address for free at the Valuation Office Agency website (voa.service.gov.uk) if you're in England or Wales. Scottish residents can check at saa.gov.uk. Your band is based on the estimated value of your property in April 1991, not its current market value.
Can I challenge my council tax band?
Yes — if you believe your property is in the wrong band, you can challenge it through the Valuation Office Agency. However, be aware that a challenge could result in your band going up as well as down. It's worth checking whether neighbouring properties of a similar size and type are in the same band before challenging.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes — if you live alone you're entitled to a 25% single person discount. Full-time students are exempt. People on low incomes may qualify for a Council Tax Reduction (formerly Council Tax Benefit) through their local council. Some properties are entirely exempt, including those occupied solely by students or certain disabled people.
Which councils have the cheapest and most expensive council tax?
See our full ranking: cheapest and most expensive council tax in the UK, 2026/27, covering all 162 councils in our dataset.
Why might my bill differ from the figure shown?
Two main reasons. First, in areas with town or parish councils, a parish precept is added on top of the figures shown here — this varies from parish to parish within the same district, typically adding anywhere from a few pounds to over £100 a year at Band D. Second, in two-tier areas (where you have both a county council and a district council), the figure shown is the combined Band D total for the named district including county, police and fire precepts — neighbouring districts in the same county set different rates. If your bill doesn't match, check your council's own schedule for your specific parish.
Where does this data come from?
Council tax figures are sourced from individual council websites and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) council tax statistics. Data covers 162 councils across England, Scotland and Wales. Figures are the combined Band D-equivalent total for the billing authority including county, police, fire and (where relevant) mayoral or GLA precepts, but excluding parish/town precepts, which vary within districts. Fully rebuilt against published 2026/27 schedules in August 2026 — see the methodology page.