How much is council tax going up by in your area?

Most households are set to see their council tax bills go up by almost 5% next month.

According to the PA news agency, more than eight in 10 (82%) upper-tier authorities in England - 125 in total - will raise council tax by at least 4.99% in April.

Figures also show that 119 out of 153 upper-tier authorities are planning increases of exactly 4.99% - the maximum increase normally allowed without carrying out a local referendum.

25 councils plan lower increases

Just 25 upper-tier authorities are not currently planning to raise council tax by at least 4.99%, although in some cases, they’re not far behind.

These are:

• Barnet - 4.98% proposed
• Barnsley - 3.40% proposed
• Coventry - 3.95% proposed
• Durham - 1.99% confirmed
• Derbyshire - 4.90% confirmed
• Essex - 3.95% confirmed
• Kent - 3.99% confirmed
• Lancashire - 3.80% proposed
• Leicestershire - 2.99% confirmed
• Lincolnshire - 2.90% confirmed
• Merton - 2.00% proposed
• Middlesbrough - 2.00% confirmed
• North East Lincolnshire - 4.50% confirmed
• Nottingham - 3.50% proposed
• Nottinghamshire - 3.99% proposed
• Rotherham - 3.95% proposed
• Rutland - 2.00% proposed
• South Tyneside - 4.95% proposed
• Staffordshire - 3.99% confirmed
• Stockton-on-Tees - 4.95% confirmed
• Torbay - 4.75% proposed
• Wandsworth - 2.00% proposed
• Warwickshire - 4.40% confirmed
• West Northamptonshire - 4.95% proposed
• Westminster - 2.00% proposed

So far, three top-tier authorities have yet to publish a proposed or confirmed figure.

These are:

• City of London
• Isles of Scilly
• Wokingham

Some councils seek higher rises

A small number of authorities are planning rises above the 4.99% referendum threshold.

These are:

• Worcestershire - 8.98% proposed
• Trafford - 7.49% proposed
• North Somerset - 8.99% confirmed
• Shropshire - 8.99% proposed
• Warrington - 7.48% proposed
• Windsor & Maidenhead - 7.49% proposed

Councils can exceed the 4.99% cap only with government permission, usually if they’re under severe financial pressure.

What help can I get if I’m struggling to pay council tax?

If you're finding it hard to keep up with payments, you may be eligible for discounts, exemptions or other support.

Council tax discounts and exemptions

Certain people are not counted when calculating your bill, which can help lower the amount you owe.

This can include:

• under-18s
• people on certain apprenticeships
• full-time students
• severely mentally impaired individuals
• live-in carers for someone not related to you
• diplomats

If everyone in your household is disregarded, you could qualify for a 50% reduction on your bill.

If you live alone or all others are disregarded, you might get a 25% discount.

Discounts for students

Full-time students in all-student households are usually exempt from council tax. 

If you live with others who aren’t students, you’ll be disregarded.

To qualify:

• your course must last at least 1 year
• you must study for 21+ hours per week

Discounts if you’re disabled

If your home is larger than needed due to your condition, you might qualify for the disabled band reduction scheme.

This could lower your council tax bill to the next-lowest band or provide a 17% discount if you’re already in the lowest band.

Fallen behind on paying council tax?

Council tax is a priority debt, so there are serious consequences if you don’t pay and councils can take legal action, leading to extra fees and bailiff visits.

If you’re behind on payments, it’s important to act fast:

• contact your local council right away to discuss your situation
• look into any discounts or exemptions you may qualify for
• think about setting up a payment plan to manage your debt over time.
• seek debt advice if you’re struggling with money

For more information on dealing with bailiffs for council tax arrears, read our guide.