Council Tax Hikes Set for April: How Much Will You Pay?
Council tax bills are poised to rise across England, Scotland, and Wales starting in April 2026, with residents in some areas facing significantly steeper increases than others. According to recent analysis, the number of local authorities in England planning to impose the maximum allowable council tax increase has decreased this year, yet many are still moving forward with sharp rises that will impact household budgets.
Key Findings from the Analysis
In England, 119 out of 153 upper-tier authorities have either proposed or confirmed a council tax rise of 4.99% for the 2026-27 financial year. This represents the largest increase possible without triggering a local referendum, as reported by the Press Association. Upper-tier authorities include county councils, London boroughs, Metropolitan boroughs, and unitary authorities.
Additionally, six councils grappling with acute financial challenges are likely to increase council tax beyond this threshold after receiving special government permission. This brings the total to 125 authorities, or 82% of all upper-tier councils, planning a rise of at least 4.99%. This figure is down from 134 councils, or 88%, in the previous year.
Notable Increases and Regional Variations
Among the councils granted permission to exceed the 4.99% limit, North Somerset and Shropshire have both proposed the highest increase of 8.99%, followed closely by Worcestershire with 8.98%. Three other councils—Trafford, Warrington, and Windsor & Maidenhead—have been authorized to raise council tax by up to 7.49%. Trafford and Warrington are Labour-run, while Windsor & Maidenhead is controlled by the Liberal Democrats.
Regional disparities are evident across England. In the East Midlands, only three of the region's ten upper-tier councils are planning a maximum increase, with the remainder opting for rises ranging from 2% to 4.95%. Conversely, in eastern England, ten out of eleven top-tier councils are looking to implement the maximum permitted increase, with Essex being the exception at 3.95%.
In London, all but two boroughs—Barnet and Merton, Wandsworth and Westminster—are opting for the 4.99% rise. Meanwhile, Kent stands out as the only top-tier council in the South East not planning a maximum increase, and Torbay is the sole outlier in the South West with a proposed rise of 4.75%.
Rises Beyond England
While the analysis focuses primarily on England, council tax increases are also set to affect residents in Scotland and Wales. In Scotland, nearly a third of local authorities have confirmed above-inflation council tax hikes for 2026-27. Residents in Aberdeenshire and Moray will experience the steepest increases at 10%.
In Wales, several councils have approved tax rises. For instance, Caerphilly has sanctioned a 6.5% increase, and Merthyr Tydfil residents will see their rates rise by 4.95%.
What This Means for Residents
Council tax bills will officially rise from 1 April 2026. Residents are encouraged to consult local authority tables to determine the exact increase in their area. Although a comprehensive guide for rises outside England is not currently available, the data highlights a widespread trend of higher council tax across the UK, driven by financial pressures on local governments.
As households prepare for these changes, understanding the specific rates in your locality can help in budgeting for the upcoming fiscal year. Stay informed about how these increases might impact your finances and explore any available support or dispute options if needed.
