Council tax in Reading
The average Band D bill in Reading is £2,612.77 a year for 2026 to 2027, up £125.66 (+5.0%) on last year. That's £220.77 more than the England average of £2,392.
What each band pays in Reading
| Band | 1991 property value | Per year | Per month (10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | £1,741.85 | £174.19 |
| B | £40,001 to £52,000 | £2,032.15 | £203.22 |
| C | £52,001 to £68,000 | £2,322.46 | £232.25 |
| D | £68,001 to £88,000 | £2,612.77 | £261.28 |
| E | £88,001 to £120,000 | £3,193.39 | £319.34 |
| F | £120,001 to £160,000 | £3,774.00 | £377.40 |
| G | £160,001 to £320,000 | £4,354.62 | £435.46 |
| H | Over £320,000 | £5,225.54 | £522.55 |
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 Reading 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
Reading is a unitary authority, which means one council runs almost all local services. The bill also includes charges for the police and the fire service, plus a town or parish council if you have one.
How Reading compares in South East
Reading has the 57th cheapest Band D bill of 64 council areas in South East. The average across those councils is £2,475.45. These are the councils nearby on price:
| Surrey Heath | £2,585.16 | +4.8% |
| Tandridge | £2,594.85 | +5.0% |
| South Oxfordshire | £2,597.57 | +5.0% |
| Woking | £2,598.04 | +4.7% |
| Waverley | £2,604.87 | +4.9% |
| Reading | £2,612.77 | +5.0% |
| Isle of Wight | £2,625.79 | +5.3% |
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 Reading, that's about £653.19 a year, or £435.46 in Band A. See who counts as an adult.
- Council Tax Reduction: if you're on a low income or certain benefits, Reading'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 Reading?
The average Band D council tax bill in Reading is £2,612.77 a year for 2026 to 2027. Band A pays £1,741.85 and Band H pays £5,225.54. Your exact bill depends on your band and whether you live in a town or parish council area.
Has council tax gone up in Reading?
Yes. The average Band D bill rose by £125.66 (5.05%) from £2,487.11 in 2025 to 2026 to £2,612.77 in 2026 to 2027.
Is council tax in Reading higher than average?
Reading's average Band D bill is £220.77 more than the England average of £2,392. It's the 270th cheapest of 296 council areas in England.
How can I pay less council tax in Reading?
If you're the only adult at home, the 25% single person discount takes about £653.19 off a Band D bill in Reading. 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.