Majority of English Councils Approve Maximum Council Tax Hikes for Third Year

Nearly 90% of councils in England will impose a 4.99% increase, with some exceeding the cap due to financial distress.

88% of England's 153 upper-tier councils will raise council tax by the maximum 4.99% allowed without a referendum for the 2025-26 financial year.
Six councils have received government approval to exceed the 4.99% cap, with increases as high as 9.99% in Bradford and 8.99% in Newham.
For 68% of councils, this marks the third consecutive year of maximum allowable council tax increases, reflecting ongoing financial strain.
Critics argue the current council tax system is outdated, relying on 1991 property valuations and creating inequities in funding across regions.
Local government leaders warn that rising bills are not addressing the underlying funding crisis, with services increasingly focused on critical needs like social care.