Council Tax Rise Slows to 4.9% in 2026-27, Lowest in Three Years
English council tax will rise by an average of 4.9% for Band D properties in 2026-27—the smallest increase in three years. However, bills still vary dramatically by local authority, ranging from £1,028 to £2,765 for the same band.
Moderated but Uneven Increases Across England
The average Band D council tax increase set by local authorities in England for 2026-27 will be 4.9%, the lowest level in three years; the increase was 5.0% last year and 5.1% the year before. The government has allowed an increased precept in the council tax of up to an extra 2% for adult social care, which is included within the amount to pay to local councils for 2026 to 2027.
Band D Ranges from £1,028 to £2,765
Council tax bills depend on two independent factors: your property's band (A–H, frozen at 1991 values) and your local authority's rate-setting decision. A Band D household in Wandsworth, south-west London, pays £1,028.21 for 2026-27, while a Band D household in Dorset pays £2,765.02—a gap of £1,736.81, with Dorset's bill 2.7 times Wandsworth's. If you believe your home is in the wrong band, you can challenge it free through the Valuation Office Agency; a successful challenge backdates up to 6 years of overpayment.
For Expat Renters and First-Time Homebuyers
If you've just moved to a UK address or are renting, your landlord or council will have assigned a council tax band based on the property's April 1991 value. Check your bill and compare nearby properties of similar size and condition; if your band seems high, a free VOA challenge could save £200–£600 per year, with backdated refunds. The 4.9% rise is modest, but your actual bill depends entirely on which council you live in and your band.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
