Council Tax Bills Rise 4.9% to Average £2,392 in England for 2026-27
English council tax bills for the 2026-27 financial year will rise by an average of £111 to £2,392 for a Band D property, reflecting increases in adult social care and parish precepts across most councils.
How Much Bills Are Rising
The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England for 2026-27 will be £2,392, which is an increase of £111 or 4.9% on the 2025-26 figure, including all precepts including adult social care and parish precepts.
This is the latest official government figure confirming the bills that residents will face from April 2026. Of the 384 authorities that were subject to referendum principles, 274 authorities used the maximum flexibility available to them, 50 were close to the maximum, and 21 authorities either made no change or decreased their average Band D council tax.
Why Are Bills Rising So Much?
The main driver is adult social care. For 2026-27, 142 adult social care authorities have utilised all, and the remaining 11 some, of their adult social care precept flexibility when setting their council tax. The maximum flexibility is 2%, with this additional flexibility accounting for £35 of the average Band D council tax bill.
Regional variations are significant. The average area Band D council tax will be £2,068 across London (an increase of £87 or 4.4%), £2,409 in metropolitan areas (+£120 or 5.2%), and £2,490 in non-metropolitan areas.
For expat residents and families: If you're settling in England and moving into a Band D property — the average UK home — budget for annual council tax of around £2,392 starting April 2026. Costs vary significantly by region and council, with some areas seeing smaller increases. Check your local council's website to see if you qualify for discounts (single-person discount, student exemptions, or low-income reductions).
Sources
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