From April 2026, Council Tax is set to rise across the United Kingdom, affecting households in England, Scotland and Wales. For many residents, this could mean paying significantly more than in previous years, as most councils increase their rates to cover ongoing funding pressures. These rises come amid growing demands on local services, from social care and schools to waste collection and road maintenance, leaving councils reliant on Council Tax to balance their budgets.
This guide breaks down the latest Council Tax increases by region, highlights where the largest rises are happening and explains what the changes mean.
England: Most Councils at 5%
In England, the majority of councils are increasing Council Tax by 5%, the usual maximum without a local referendum. Out of 384 authorities, 274 are hiking the full 5%, with another 50 increasing “close to” 5%.
For a typical Band D property, currently averaging £2,281, a 5% rise adds around £111, bringing the total Council Tax for them to approximately £2,392.
Seven councils have government permission to raise Council Tax above 5% due to exceptional financial circumstances.
Council | Council Tax Increase |
|---|---|
North Somerset | 9.00% |
Shropshire | 9.00% |
Worcestershire | 9.00% |
Trafford | 7.50% |
Warrington | 7.50% |
Windsor & Maidenhead | 7.50% |
Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole | 6.75% |
Scotland: Wide Variation from 4% to 10%
Scottish households will see tax rises ranging from 4% to 10% depending on the council.
Council | Council Tax Increase |
|---|---|
Aberdeenshire | 10.00% |
Moray | 10.00% |
Argyll and Bute | 9.70% |
East Dunbartonshire | 9.50% |
Angus | 9.38% |
Midlothian | 9.00% |
Perth & Kinross | 8.90% |
Falkirk | 8.77% |
Stirling | 8.75% |
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar | 8.50% |
Dumfries and Galloway | 8.50% |
North Ayrshire | 8.50% |
Scottish Borders | 8.50% |
South Ayrshire | 8.00% |
Inverclyde | 7.90% |
West Dunbartonshire | 7.80% |
Dundee City | 7.75% |
East Lothian | 7.50% |
Renfrewshire | 7.50% |
West Lothian | 7.40% |
Shetland Islands | 7.30% |
Highland | 7.00% |
North Lanarkshire | 7.00% |
East Ayrshire | 6.90% |
Aberdeen City | 6.80% |
South Lanarkshire | 6.50% |
East Renfrewshire | 6.00% |
Orkney Islands | 6.00% |
Glasgow City | 5.90% |
Clackmannanshire | 5.60% |
Fife | 5.00% |
City of Edinburgh | 4.00% |
Wales: Mostly 4% to 5%
Council Tax rises in Wales are generally between 4% and 5%, though some councils are exceeding this range.
Council | Council Tax Increase |
|---|---|
Conwy | 6.50% |
Vale of Glamorgan | 6.50% |
Caerphilly | 6.25% |
Monmouthshire | 5.95% |
Flintshire | 5.46% |
Denbighshire | 5.22% |
Gwynedd | 5.17% |
Isle of Anglesey | 5.10% |
Merthyr Tydfil | 4.95% |
Carmarthenshire | 4.90% |
Newport City | 4.90% |
Powys | 4.90% |
Wrexham | 4.90% |
Ceredigion | 4.75% |
Bridgend | 4.70% |
Pembrokeshire | 4.60% |
Rhondda Cynon Taf | 4.00% |
Torfaen | 3.95% |
Cardiff | 3.90% |
Swansea | 3.90% |
Blaenau Gwent | 3.75% |
Neath Port Talbot | 3.50% |
What This Means for Households
For households across the UK, rising Council Tax means an increase in one of their unavoidable annual expenses. Whether you own your home, rent privately or live in social housing, Council Tax will affect your overall cost of living.
For tenants in properties where the landlord pays Council Tax directly, such as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), increased bills can impact rental economics and potentially influence future rent decisions.
Conclusion
In short, Council Tax will rise across the UK next month, and the impact will vary depending on where you live. England will see most councils hitting the 5% cap, Scotland will have the widest range of increases and Wales will sit between 4% and 5% with a few higher exceptions.
The key takeaway? Check your local council’s rates, begin planning and factor these increases into your finances.
Want more news from UKPA?
- Will the Autumn Budget 2026 Raise Your Tax Bill? What’s Confirmed & What’s Not - 8 September 2026
- The Third-Party Data Behind HMRC’s Nudge Letters to Landlords - 25 August 2026
- Autumn Budget 2026 Timeline: The Key Dates to Watch - 21 August 2026
