Council tax goes up - how much more are you paying where you live?

Council taxes have risen across the country, adding more financial pressure to households already squeezed by high inflation and other “awful April” price hikes.

The tax increases in many regions have been particularly high this year, following a change in rules that allows councils to up rates by 5% without holding a referendum. Previously, they had only been able to raise council tax bills by 2%.

Three in four councils have upped rates by the maximum allowed, according to the County Council Network. Several local authorities have been allowed to hike bills even more than this – in some cases, by as much as 15%.

For many people, the increased rate will compound the pressures of the cost of living crisis.

We have rounded up the changes you can expect to see in your bill this month and show you how much more you could be paying.

We’ve also put together all the information on changes in London, which faces one of the largest council tax hikes in years. In mayor Sadiq Khan’s draft budget earlier this year, it was unveiled that council tax for an average band D property will rise by £38.55 - the maximum allowed by the government.

Popular second-home hotspots are also subject to council tax hikes this month, with specific policies put in place to target holiday-home owners.  This month, Dorset Council will double the charge for properties that remain empty and unfurnished for more than a year.

Here with help from the County Council's Network, we’ve compiled a list of council tax increases from April 2023. 

Council tax hikes 2023

Council tax rises 2023-24

Council tax hikes in London

Most Londoners have seen a 4.99% increase in their council tax bills, with Croydon accounting for the biggest increase. Croydon council was given special permission by the government to raise council tax by 15% to raise money after it issued its third bankruptcy notice in two years in November. 

Those living in Kensington & Chelsea have escaped this round of rises.

Can I get a reduction in my council tax bill?

Some people may be able to get a reduction on their council tax. For example, if you are the only adult living in your home or are a carer, for example. 

Discounts can be worth between 25% and 100%. Take a look at our article on how to get a council tax reduction to see if you’re eligible for a discount. 

More on council tax

Council tax is an important source of income for local government, paying for essential services such as: children's social care, waste collection, support for the elderly and vulnerable, schools, youth service, car parks and open spaces, roads, highways and street lighting maintenance, coroners, courts, street cleaning and street lighting. 

• What is council tax and how much do you have to pay?
• How your council tax is calculated
• How to check your council tax band
• How to get a council tax reduction
• How the council tax disabled band reduction scheme works 
• Council tax reduction for pensioners