Council Tax Councils Can Now Offer 12-Month Payment Plans from April 2027
UK government confirms sweeping reforms to council tax administration and enforcement, allowing newly liable households to spread annual payments across 12 monthly instalments instead of the current 10.
The UK government confirmed on 15 October 2026 that it will proceed with significant reforms to council tax administration and enforcement starting April 2027. A key change allows households newly liable to council tax to settle their annual bill over 12 equal monthly instalments, rather than the existing 10 instalments spread between April and January.
What changes for you
Under the new framework:
- Newly liable households gain flexibility to spread payments across the full year
- Councils gain modernised enforcement powers
- Annual liability dates may shift to align with the 12-month payment cycle
These reforms modernise the century-old council tax system and represent the first major administrative overhaul in decades. For expats and international residents settling in the UK, this means easier budgeting if you become newly liable (for example, upon visa extension or permanent settlement). The 12-month option reduces the risk of cash-flow strain from lump-sum payments. If you are moving house or changing council area in spring 2027 or later, check with your local authority whether you qualify as "newly liable" to access the extended payment term.
Sources
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