Council tax in Kensington and Chelsea
The average Band D bill in Kensington and Chelsea is £1,666.65 a year for 2026 to 2027, up £75.06 (+4.7%) on last year. That's £725.35 less than the England average of £2,392.
What each band pays in Kensington and Chelsea
| Band | 1991 property value | Per year | Per month (10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | £1,111.10 | £111.11 |
| B | £40,001 to £52,000 | £1,296.28 | £129.63 |
| C | £52,001 to £68,000 | £1,481.47 | £148.15 |
| D | £68,001 to £88,000 | £1,666.65 | £166.67 |
| E | £88,001 to £120,000 | £2,037.02 | £203.70 |
| F | £120,001 to £160,000 | £2,407.38 | £240.74 |
| G | £160,001 to £320,000 | £2,777.75 | £277.78 |
| H | Over £320,000 | £3,333.30 | £333.33 |
Most councils collect council tax in 10 monthly instalments from April to January. You can ask to pay over 12 months instead, which lowers each payment. These are averages for the whole Kensington and Chelsea area: if you live in a town or parish council area, that council's charge is added, so your exact bill may be a little higher or lower. Your council's website lists exact charges.
What your bill pays for
Kensington and Chelsea is an inner London borough. The bill covers the borough council plus the Greater London Authority, which pays for the Mayor of London, the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade.
How Kensington and Chelsea compares in London
Kensington and Chelsea has the 5th cheapest Band D bill of 33 council areas in London. The average across those councils is £2,090.08, and London boroughs are generally cheaper than the rest of England because of how they are funded. These are the councils nearby on price:
| City of London | £1,329.56 | +4.4% |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | £1,519.51 | +4.7% |
| Kensington and Chelsea | £1,666.65 | +4.7% |
| Tower Hamlets | £1,837.78 | +4.7% |
| Newham | £1,944.23 | +4.8% |
| Southwark | £1,967.26 | +4.8% |
| Hillingdon | £2,045.46 | +4.8% |
Ways to pay less
- Single person discount: if you're the only adult at home, you get 25% off. On a Band D bill in Kensington and Chelsea, that's about £416.66 a year, or £277.78 in Band A. See who counts as an adult.
- Council Tax Reduction: if you're on a low income or certain benefits, Kensington and Chelsea's own scheme could cut your bill, in some cases to nothing. Each council sets its own rules, so apply directly.
- Check your band: if similar homes on your street are in a lower band, you may be able to challenge yours with the Valuation Office Agency. Your band can go up as well as down, so check carefully first. Use our band checker.
Common questions
How much is council tax in Kensington and Chelsea?
The average Band D council tax bill in Kensington and Chelsea is £1,666.65 a year for 2026 to 2027. Band A pays £1,111.10 and Band H pays £3,333.30. Your exact bill depends on your band and whether you live in a town or parish council area.
Has council tax gone up in Kensington and Chelsea?
Yes. The average Band D bill rose by £75.06 (4.72%) from £1,591.59 in 2025 to 2026 to £1,666.65 in 2026 to 2027.
Is council tax in Kensington and Chelsea higher than average?
Kensington and Chelsea's average Band D bill is £725.35 less than the England average of £2,392. It's the 5th cheapest of 296 council areas in England.
How can I pay less council tax in Kensington and Chelsea?
If you're the only adult at home, the 25% single person discount takes about £416.66 off a Band D bill in Kensington and Chelsea. People on a low income can apply to the council for Council Tax Reduction, and you can challenge your band with the Valuation Office Agency if you think it's wrong.
Source: GOV.UK - Council tax levels set by local authorities in England 2026 to 2027 (Table 9). Area Band D figures include the billing council plus county, police, fire, Greater London Authority and average parish charges.
Last updated: 15 October 2026. Figures are for 2026 to 2027 and change every April.