Answers · UK 2025/26
How much is council tax in the UK in 2026?
Average Band D council tax in England for 2026/27 is approximately £2,171 per year. Amounts range from Band A (£1,447) to Band H (£4,342) at the England average. Actual bills vary widely by local authority — some areas charge over £3,000 for Band D.
Full answer
Council tax in England is set by each local authority and varies significantly across the country. The national average for Band D in 2026/27 is around £2,171/year, but this masks huge local variation — council tax in some London boroughs is under £1,500 while some county council areas exceed £2,700. The eight council tax bands in England are based on property values as at 1 April 1991. At the England average, the approximate annual amounts are: Band A £1,447, Band B £1,689, Band C £1,930, Band D £2,171, Band E £2,654, Band F £3,137, Band G £3,619, Band H £4,342 (Band H is for properties valued above £320,000 in 1991). Most properties fall in Bands B, C or D. In Scotland, council tax is similarly structured with bands A–H based on 1991 values, with Band D averaging around £1,500–£1,800 depending on council area. Wales uses the same A–I band system (Band I added in 2005) with Band D averaging around £1,900–£2,000. Northern Ireland uses domestic rates rather than council tax — a percentage of capital value plus district rate. Discounts include 25% for sole occupants, student exemptions, carer exemptions and various council tax reduction schemes for those on low incomes.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.