The latest council tax figures for England have been released for the 2026-2027 financial year, offering a detailed view of how charges vary across 296 local authorities. The data, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is based on Band D properties, which are commonly used as a benchmark for comparison.
These figures include additional elements such as adult social care charges, parish precepts, and levies for services like policing and fire authorities. As a result, they reflect the total average bill households can expect within each area.
Council tax levels differ widely depending on location, local budgets, and service demands. Authorities are grouped into four main categories:
- Metropolitan boroughs
- London boroughs
- Unitary authorities
- District and county councils
Within each category, figures show the 2026-2027 average, the previous year’s amount, and the annual increase.
Trends
Across England, most councils have increased council tax for 2026-2027. The rises vary, but many fall within a range of £90 to £140 per year for Band D properties.
Some areas have introduced larger increases, often linked to higher service costs or funding pressures. Others have kept increases relatively modest.
Metro
Metropolitan boroughs show a broad range of council tax levels. Urban areas with higher service demands tend to have higher overall bills.
| Authority | 2026-27 | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Gateshead | £2,715.81 | +£137.35 |
| Liverpool | £2,673.59 | +£127.14 |
| Manchester | £2,312.04 | +£129.01 |
| Leeds | £2,283.73 | +£111.34 |
| Doncaster | £2,167.75 | +£57.25 |
Gateshead remains among the higher-charging metropolitan areas, while Doncaster sits at the lower end within this group.
London
London boroughs generally report lower council tax levels compared to other parts of England, although there is still variation between boroughs.
| Borough | 2026-27 | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Wandsworth | £1,028.21 | +£30.46 |
| Westminster | £1,049.55 | +£30.55 |
| Croydon | £2,599.91 | +£119.43 |
| Kingston upon Thames | £2,609.20 | +£119.86 |
| Hackney | £2,060.30 | +£93.79 |
Wandsworth and Westminster continue to record the lowest average Band D council tax levels, while boroughs such as Croydon and Kingston upon Thames are notably higher.
Unitary
Unitary authorities, which handle all local services within a single council, show some of the highest increases in certain areas.
| Authority | 2026-27 | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham | £2,755.39 | +£99.20 |
| Dorset | £2,765.02 | +£134.72 |
| Bristol | £2,713.68 | +£129.79 |
| North Somerset | £2,491.22 | +£196.28 |
| Shropshire | £2,528.18 | +£209.38 |
Shropshire and North Somerset stand out for larger year-on-year increases, reflecting local budget decisions and service demands.
District
District and county council areas combine charges from multiple authorities, resulting in varied totals across regions.
| Area | 2026-27 | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Lewes | £2,756.17 | +£128.78 |
| Oxford | £2,678.40 | +£121.27 |
| Worcester | £2,405.81 | +£171.88 |
| Wychavon | £2,373.19 | +£172.21 |
| Wyre Forest | £2,512.47 | +£184.98 |
Some districts, such as Wyre Forest and Wychavon, have recorded comparatively higher increases this year.
Comparison
When comparing council tax levels, it is important to consider what is included in the bill. Charges typically cover:
- Local council services
- Adult social care funding
- Police and fire services
- Parish or community precepts
Because these elements vary between areas, differences in total bills do not always reflect like-for-like service levels.
Factors
Several factors influence council tax rates:
- Local authority spending needs
- Population size and demographics
- Demand for social care services
- Central government funding levels
Areas with higher demand for social care or lower external funding may rely more heavily on council tax revenue.
Impact
For households, the increase in council tax represents an additional cost that must be factored into annual budgets. Even moderate increases can add up over time, particularly when combined with other living expenses.
Reviewing your local authority’s rate can help you understand how your bill compares nationally and whether changes are in line with broader trends.
Awareness
Residents can check their council tax band and local rate through official council websites. Support schemes, such as discounts or exemptions, may also be available depending on individual circumstances.
Knowing how council tax is calculated and how it varies across regions can help households make informed financial decisions.
The 2026-2027 council tax data highlights both consistency and variation across England. While most areas have introduced increases, the scale and overall levels differ significantly. Comparing local figures with national averages provides useful context for understanding where your area stands and how charges are evolving over time.
FAQs
What is Band D council tax?
A standard property tax benchmark.
Why do council tax rates vary?
Due to local costs and services.
Which areas pay the least?
Wandsworth and Westminster.
Are council tax bills increasing?
Yes, in most areas for 2026-27.
