Council Tax bills for 2027/28 will be confirmed by councils in spring 2027. This page provides the 2026/27 reference figures and explains how Council Tax is calculated.
Last reviewed: May 2026. 2027/28 bills will be published by councils in February–March 2027. This page will be updated when confirmed figures are available.
2026/27 Average Band D Bills — England (Reference)
(2027/28 bills are typically set in February/March 2027 — indicative figures only below)
| Region | Approx. Band D 2026/27 | Expected 2027/28 range (up to +5%) |
|---|---|---|
| London (average) | ~£1,700 | ~£1,700–£1,785 |
| South East | ~£2,100 | ~£2,100–£2,205 |
| South West | ~£2,200 | ~£2,200–£2,310 |
| East of England | ~£2,100 | ~£2,100–£2,205 |
| East Midlands | ~£2,050 | ~£2,050–£2,153 |
| West Midlands | ~£2,000 | ~£2,000–£2,100 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | ~£2,000 | ~£2,000–£2,100 |
| North West | ~£2,050 | ~£2,050–£2,153 |
| North East | ~£2,100 | ~£2,100–£2,205 |
Figures are approximate regional averages. Your exact bill depends on your local council and local precepts.
Council Tax Bands — England
| Band | 1991 value | Ratio to Band D |
|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | 6/9 (67%) |
| B | £40,001–£52,000 | 7/9 (78%) |
| C | £52,001–£68,000 | 8/9 (89%) |
| D | £68,001–£88,000 | 9/9 (100%) |
| E | £88,001–£120,000 | 11/9 (122%) |
| F | £120,001–£160,000 | 13/9 (144%) |
| G | £160,001–£320,000 | 15/9 (167%) |
| H | Over £320,000 | 18/9 (200%) |
How the 5% Cap Works
Councils in England can raise Council Tax by up to 5% without a local referendum — split as:
- Up to 3% general Council Tax increase
- Up to 2% adult social care precept (for councils with social care responsibilities)
District councils (which do not have social care responsibilities) can raise by up to 3%. Increases above 5% require a local referendum, which is practically rare.
Reducing Your Council Tax Bill
| Route | Potential saving |
|---|---|
| Single person discount | 25% |
| Council Tax Reduction (CTR) | Up to 100% for those on low incomes |
| Disability Reduction Scheme | Bill reduced by one band |
| Student exemption | 100% if all adults are students |
| Challenge your band | Backdated refund if band was wrong |
| Severe Mental Impairment discount | Varies |
Council Tax for Second Homes and Empty Properties
From April 2025, local councils in England have the power to charge up to double the standard rate (200%) for second homes. This discretionary power is not applied by all councils — check with your local authority.
For empty properties, most councils already charge the full rate after 1 month, and many charge a premium (up to 100% extra) for long-term empty properties (over 1 or 2 years). Again, this varies significantly by council.
How Council Tax Is Paid
Most households pay Council Tax in 10 monthly instalments (April to January), with February and March bill-free. You can request to pay over 12 months by contacting your council — most will agree, spreading the cost across February and March as well.
Payment methods accepted by most councils include: direct debit (standard), online payment, phone payment, and at PayPoint locations. Direct debit is the most convenient and reduces the risk of arrears.
Council Tax arrears are serious — councils have strong powers to recover debts, including court orders, bailiff action, and in extreme cases deductions from wages or benefits. Contact your council immediately if you cannot pay.