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How do council tax bands work?

Council tax bands in the UK are used to calculate how much you need to pay for local services like rubbish collection, street maintenance, and policing. The amount you pay depends on the value of your property and which band it falls into. This article explains how council tax bands are determined, how to check your band, and what to do if you think your band is wrong.

Understanding council tax bands

Council tax is set by your local council to fund essential community services. The amount you pay is based on the band your property is placed in, which reflects the value of your home.

1. How are council tax bands determined?

In England and Scotland, council tax bands are based on the value of your property as of:

  • England: 1 April 1991
  • Scotland: 1 April 1991
  • Wales: 1 April 2003

Each property is assigned to one of several bands (A to H in England and Scotland, A to I in Wales), with Band A being the lowest and Band H/I being the highest.

👉 Tip: The valuation considers the price your property would have sold for on the relevant date, not its current market value.

2. How to check your council tax band

You can easily check it online:

💡 Did you know? Your neighbours’ council tax bands can give you an idea of whether your band is correct, especially if their properties are similar to yours.

3. What if your band is wrong?

If you believe your council tax band is incorrect, you can challenge it by contacting the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) in England and Wales or the Scottish Assessors Association in Scotland.

⚠️ Warning: Only challenge your band if you have strong evidence that it’s wrong, as your band could be moved both up and down.

How to save on your council tax

  • Discounts and exemptions: You may be eligible for discounts if you live alone, are a student, or have a disability.
  • Council tax reduction (CTR): Low-income households may qualify for a reduction in their council tax bill.

Understanding how council tax bands work helps ensure that you’re paying the correct amount and gives you the knowledge to challenge any errors.