Band D Council Tax 2025-26: Who Pays Most?

Band D Council Tax 2025-26: Who Pays Most?

Council tax bills for 2025-26 have now been set across England, and the range of Band D charges remains striking. Our analysis covers the latest data from billing authorities nationwide.

The Range

Band D council tax for 2025-26 ranges from approximately £1,200 in some inner London boroughs to over £2,200 in parts of Dorset, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland. The average Band D charge across England is around £1,900, representing a roughly 5% increase on the previous year.

Why London Is Cheaper

London boroughs benefit from higher per-capita business rates income and greater Revenue Support Grant allocations. The City of London and Westminster have among the lowest Band D charges nationally, despite providing extensive services in densely populated areas.

The Social Care Precept Effect

The adult social care precept continues to push up bills in counties and unitary authorities with large elderly populations. Authorities that have maximised the precept since its introduction in 2016 have seen cumulative increases of over £300 on a Band D property from this element alone.

Fire and Police Precepts

Residents often overlook that a significant portion of their council tax bill goes to fire and police authorities. In some areas, these precepts add £400-500 to the annual bill, and increases in police precepts have outpaced general council tax rises in recent years.

Parish Precepts

In rural areas, parish and town council precepts add a further layer. Some parishes charge over £100 per Band D property, while many charge nothing at all. This creates significant variation even between neighbouring properties in the same billing authority area.

Value for Money

A higher council tax bill does not necessarily indicate poor value. Councils with lower charges may simply have different funding profiles or different service responsibilities. CouncilIQ helps residents and officers understand the full picture behind council tax levels.