From Wednesday 1 April 2026, council tax bills across England, Scotland and Wales are going up. For most households in England, the increase amounts to around 5% — adding roughly £111 per year to a typical Band D bill. While that number might sound manageable in isolation, it comes on top of rising energy costs, higher water bills, and a cost of living that continues to squeeze household budgets across the country.
The England Picture: A Near-Universal 5% Rise
Almost all local authorities in England are raising their council tax by the full 5% allowed without requiring a local referendum. This increase is split into two components: a 3% core council tax rise for general council services, and a 2% adult social care precept, which is ring-fenced for the funding of social care for older and disabled adults.
The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England for 2026-27 is now £2,392 — an increase of £111, or approximately 4.9%, on the previous year’s figure. For households on lower council tax bands the cash increase will be less; those on higher bands will pay considerably more.
Councils Permitted to Go Higher
Seven local authorities across England have been granted special permission by central government to exceed the standard 5% limit. These are:
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole — up to 6.74%
- North Somerset — up to 8.99%
- Shropshire — up to 8.99%
- Trafford — up to 7.49%
- Warrington — up to 7.49%
- Windsor and Maidenhead — up to 7.49%
- Worcestershire — up to 8.99%
These councils have typically been granted the exception due to significant financial pressures, often linked to adult social care spending that has outpaced their income. Residents in these areas will see notably larger increases in their April bills.
Scotland and Wales
Council tax in Scotland is a devolved matter, and increases this year vary considerably between local authorities — ranging from 4% at the lower end to 10% in the most significant cases. As with England, the increases reflect pressure on local services, particularly social care.
In Wales, the 22 local authorities are implementing rises averaging around 5.2% for Band D properties, with individual councils sitting between 4% and 5% in most cases. The Welsh Government has provided some additional funding to councils to partially offset the cost pressures, but this hasn’t been enough to prevent above-inflation increases across the board.
What Does Council Tax Actually Pay For?
It’s worth reminding ourselves what council tax funds. The revenue supports a wide range of services that residents use every day: waste collection and recycling, road maintenance, libraries, planning services, parks and leisure facilities, public health initiatives, and — most significantly in terms of cost — adult social care and children’s services.
Adult social care now accounts for more than half of council budgets in many parts of England, and it is the area facing the most acute financial pressure as an ageing population drives up demand. The 2% precept is specifically designed to raise money for this purpose, though councils and charities have consistently argued it is insufficient to meet the growing need.
Could You Be Exempt or Get a Discount?
Not every household pays the full rate. A range of discounts and exemptions are available:
- Single person discount: If you live alone, you’re entitled to a 25% reduction.
- Council Tax Reduction (formerly Council Tax Benefit): Low-income households may qualify for a means-tested reduction, administered by local councils.
- Students: Full-time students are exempt from council tax, as are properties occupied solely by students.
- Severe mental impairment: Residents with certain cognitive conditions may qualify for a disregard, which can affect the discount calculation.
If you’re not sure whether you’re getting the right discounts applied to your account, contacting your local council directly is the simplest route. It’s not uncommon for households to be missing entitlements they didn’t know existed.
What If You Can’t Pay?
Council tax debt is one of the most common forms of problem debt in the UK. If you’re struggling to pay, the most important thing is not to ignore the bill. Contact your council as early as possible — most have payment plan arrangements and hardship funds available for residents in genuine difficulty. Organisations like Citizens Advice can also help you understand your rights and options.