Council Tax Bands Explained: How Much Will You Pay?

Council tax is a local tax that helps pay for local services like schools, roads, rubbish collection, and libraries. Your bill depends on which band your property is in and whether you qualify for any discounts.

What is Council Tax?

Council tax is a property tax paid by most households in England, Scotland, and Wales. It’s set by your local council and helps fund local services including:

• Schools and education
• Roads and street lighting
• Rubbish collection and recycling
• Libraries and leisure centres
• Social care
• Police and fire services

You usually pay it in 10 monthly instalments (April to January), with February and March payment-free.

The 8 Council Tax Bands

Properties are placed into one of 8 bands (A to H) based on their value. Band D is the standard rate that councils use to set their tax levels.

Band	Property Value (1991)	Typical Annual Council Tax	Percentage of Band D
A	Up to £40,000	£1,000-£1,500	67%
B	£40,001-£52,000	£1,200-£1,750	78%
C	£52,001-£68,000	£1,500-£2,200	89%
D	£68,001-£88,000	£1,800-£2,600	100% (standard)
E	£88,001-£120,000	£2,200-£3,200	122%
F	£120,001-£160,000	£2,600-£3,800	144%
G	£160,001-£320,000	£3,000-£4,400	167%
H	Over £320,000	£3,600-£5,200	200%

Note: Actual council tax amounts vary significantly by area. A Band D property in Westminster might pay £800 per year, while the same band in Rutland might pay £2,500. Check your local council’s website for exact rates.

How is Your Council Tax Band Decided?

Your band is based on your property’s value on 1 April 1991 (England) or 1 April 2003 (Wales). Scotland uses 1991 values but has different band ranges.

Valuation Process

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) in England and Wales, or the Scottish Assessors Association in Scotland, decides bands based on:

• The property’s market value on the valuation date
• Similar properties in your area
• Property size, type, and location

Important: Bands are based on 1991/2003 values, not current market values. A property worth £500,000 today might still be in Band D if it was worth £80,000 in 1991.

What Counts as One Property?

For council tax purposes, one property means:

• A house or flat
• A self-contained unit (has its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance)
• A house converted into flats (each flat is a separate property)

Caravans, houseboats, and some types of student accommodation may be exempt.

How to Check Your Council Tax Band

You can check your band online:

1. England and Wales: Visit GOV.UK and search “check your council tax band”
2. Scotland: Visit the Scottish Assessors Association website
3. Your council’s website: Most councils list bands for properties in their area

You’ll need your postcode or property address. The search will show:

• Your current band
• The band ranges for your area
• How to appeal if you think your band is wrong

How to Appeal Your Council Tax Band

You can appeal your band if:

• You’ve moved into the property in the last 6 months
• The property has been demolished or split into flats
• You think your band is wrong compared to similar properties nearby
• There’s been a material change (e.g., part of the property demolished)

Appeal Process

1. Contact the VOA (England/Wales) or your local assessor (Scotland)
2. Provide evidence: Explain why you think your band is wrong
3. Wait for decision: Usually takes 2-3 months
4. If rejected: You can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal

Warning: Your band could go up as well as down. Only appeal if you’re confident your band is too high.

Checking Similar Properties

Before appealing, check bands of similar properties nearby:

• Same type (house/flat)
• Similar size and age
• In the same street or area

If similar properties are in a lower band, you might have a case for an appeal.

Council Tax Discounts

You may qualify for discounts that reduce your bill:

Single Person Discount (25%)

If you’re the only adult living in the property, you get a 25% discount. This applies if:

• You live alone
• Everyone else in the property is under 18
• Everyone else is a student or severely mentally impaired
• Everyone else is in prison or a care home

Student Discount

Full-time students don’t pay council tax. If everyone in the property is a student, the property is exempt. If some are students and some aren’t, you may get a discount.

Disabled Person’s Reduction

If someone in your household is disabled and needs extra space or facilities, you may get a reduction. Your bill is reduced to the next band down (e.g., Band E becomes Band D).

Second Home Discount

Some councils offer discounts for second homes (usually 10-50%), but this varies by area. Check with your local council.

Empty Property Discount

Empty properties may get discounts, but rules vary:

• Empty and unfurnished: Usually exempt for up to 6 months
• Empty and furnished: May get a discount (varies by council)
• Long-term empty: Some councils charge extra (up to 200%) to encourage use

Council Tax Support (Reduction)

If you’re on a low income, you may qualify for council tax support (also called council tax reduction). This is separate from discounts and can reduce your bill by up to 100%.

Who Qualifies?

You may qualify if you receive:

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit

Each council sets its own rules and rates. Contact your local council to apply.

How to Apply

1. Contact your council: Apply online, by phone, or in person
2. Provide evidence: You’ll need proof of income and benefits
3. Wait for decision: Usually takes 2-4 weeks
4. Appeal if rejected: You can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal

What Happens if You Don’t Pay Council Tax?

If you don’t pay your council tax:

1. Reminder notice: Council sends a reminder if you miss a payment
2. Final notice: If you miss again, you get a final notice
3. Summons: Council takes you to magistrates’ court
4. Liability order: Court orders you to pay (adds costs of around £100)
5. Enforcement: Council can:
   • Take money from your wages (attachment of earnings)
   • Take money from your benefits (attachment of benefits)
   • Send bailiffs to collect goods
   • Apply for your bankruptcy (in extreme cases)

Important: Always contact your council if you’re struggling to pay. They may be able to:

• Set up a payment plan
• Check if you qualify for discounts or support
• Refer you to debt advice services

Council Tax When Moving

When you move:

1. Tell your council: Inform them of your move date
2. Pay final bill: You’ll get a final bill for your old property
3. Set up new bill: Your new council will send you a bill for your new property
4. Check your band: Your new property may be in a different band

See our guide on council tax when moving house for more details.

Council Tax for Second Homes

If you own a second home, you usually pay council tax on both properties. Some councils offer discounts for second homes, but this varies.

You may be exempt from council tax on a second home if:

• It’s a holiday let (available to let for at least 140 days per year)
• It’s job-related accommodation (you work away from home)
• It’s an annexe occupied by a dependent relative

Empty Property Rules

Empty properties are usually exempt from council tax for up to 6 months. After that, you may have to pay, and some councils charge extra (up to 200%) for long-term empty properties to encourage use.

Summary

Council tax is based on 8 bands (A-H) determined by your property’s 1991 (England) or 2003 (Wales) value. Band D is the standard rate. You may qualify for discounts (single person 25%, students, disabled) or council tax support if you’re on a low income.

You can check your band online and appeal if you think it’s wrong, but be aware your band could go up as well as down. If you’re struggling to pay, contact your council – they may be able to help with payment plans or check if you qualify for support.

For information on other household bills, see our guide to water bills.