Why has my council tax price changed?

Why your council tax price may have gone up

Your bill has likely changed because your local authority needs more money to provide the services you rely on. Many councils say they must increase the tax to keep services running. 

Some key cost drivers:

• The cost of providing care for older people, children and vulnerable adults has increased.

• Inflation, energy bills and other service delivery costs have risen, so councils need more funding.

• Funding from the central government to local authorities has reduced over time, meaning councils rely more on council tax.

Other reasons your bill may change

In addition to cost increases, your bill may change because of one or more of these:

• Your area’s council tax rate is set locally — the local council decides how much to increase it each year within permitted limits. 

• Changes to the “precept” (extra charge for services like adult social care or the police) may add to your bill. 

• Your property’s band might have been changed (for example by reassessment), meaning you’re now in a different council tax band.

• New charges may apply to your kind of property (for example second homes, empty homes) which can increase what you pay.

What you can do if your bill changed and you’re unsure

• Check the bill from your local council to see how much the rate has changed and which part of it applies to your area.

• Look for a breakdown of how your council tax is calculated (local authority website often provides this).

• If your property band has changed and you think it’s incorrect, you can contact the valuation office or local council for a review.

• If you are on a low income, live alone, are a full‑time student, or think you may qualify for a discount or exemption, check with your local council about reductions. We have other helpful articles with information on this.