Daily briefing

Council Tax Rises: What Your Band Really Costs in 2026

Council tax is one of the few taxes households pay directly to local government — yet it rarely gets the same scrutiny as income tax. Annual rises, revaluations, and precepts can add hundreds to your bill.

Band D is often quoted as the 'average' bill, but many households sit in Bands A–C or E–H — with materially different annual costs.

Adult social care precepts and police & crime commissioner precepts are added on top of core council spending, which is why two similar homes in different authorities can pay very different totals.