Council tax increases 2023 – how much more will you pay?

Households will face a significant increase in their council tax bill this year, with three quarters of English councils with social care duties planning a 5% hike, according to the County Councils Network (CCN). 

The news will come as a blow to households already struggling with higher energy prices, rising interest rates and double-digit inflation. 

Research by CCN found 84 out of the 114 councils who have published their budget proposals for 2023/2024 plan to raise council tax by the maximum permitted amount, or 4.99%. 

Only Central Bedfordshire is planning to keep its council tax at the current rate. Croydon, Turrock and Slough have all been allowed to propose raises over the 4.99% limit as they have essentially declared bankruptcy. 

The chances mean the average Band D household will see a £99 increase a year in their council tax bills. 

Council leaders have said that though they “recognise the cost of living pressures” facing their residents, they have “little choice in order to set a balanced budget and to fund local services”. 

According to London mayor Sadiq Khan, some London councils could even hike rates to as much as 10%. In his draft budget this week, he said council tax for an average band D property will rise by £38.55 from 1 April, which is the maximum allowed by the government.

The mayor has said the increase is necessary to help fund transport, policing, and the fire brigade. The amount households pay to the Greater London Authority is going up to £434; that does not account for what they pay to their borough’s council. 

But council tax increases aren’t limited to London. Councils across the country have said increases in tax are needed to plug holes in funding. With help from CCN we’ve compiled a list of council taxes that have announced their proposed increases for April 2023. 

How can I save on my council tax bill?

First, check your council tax band to know how much you are currently paying. Make sure you’re in the right band, as if you’re not you could be overpaying. 

But you might also be able to get a discount or reduction on your bill. 

All councils provide support for people who have reached state pension age. Contact your council to find out the support they can offer you as this will vary per area. 

If you have a home sitting empty and unfurnished, your council could offer a discount of up to 50% – but if the home sits empty for over two years, councils can charge a premium. 

Second or holiday homes can also qualify for a 10% discount on your council tax bill. That increases to 50% if you had to move due to work. 

However, this discount might be coming to an end in some areas. The government’s new Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, currently making its way through parliament, will allow councils to charge a council tax premium of upto 100% on second homes (a similar law has already been introduced in Wales). 

Still, if you’ve adapted your home for someone with a disability who lives there, you could also qualify for a one-band reduction in your council tax bill. 

Single occupants can claim 25% off as a single-person discount. Students, apprentices, live-in care workers (who are not the main resident’s spouse or civil partner), can be disregarded for council tax purposes. 

If you are a low-income earner or live with someone who is, you could also qualify for a council tax reduction of up to 100%, but the criteria to apply for this varies per council. 

You can also claim hardship relief if you’re facing difficult circumstances, such as losing your job. Eligibility and discounts vary per council. 

Ultimately the best way to find out what you’re eligible for is to get in touch with your local council, as this will vary depending on where you live. 

How much Council Tax will I pay? 

We reveal the councils that have confirmed what their expected increase is from 1 April 2023. 

Here we take a look at the councils that have confirmed or submitted plans to hike their council tax bills, and how much you can expect to pay. As soon as we know more, we will add to this list -  subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date.

Where is council tax going up?