How much has my council tax increased?

The start of April marked the beginning of several price increases putting additional pressure on household finances.

Council tax was one of the many increased expenses this month, affecting all households across the UK.

Now, home insurance experts from ​Quotezone.co.uk are sharing just how much council tax has increased across 13 councils in England for homes in Band D – with tips on what can be done to help recoup some of the costs.

Comparisons across the Northern, Southern and Midlands councils show residents in Birmingham are facing the steepest increases, following a 7.5% tax increase.

Councils are able to increase their tax rates by 4.99%, but those with government permission can raise the rate by over 5%.

In the previous tax year (2024/25), tax owed on a typical Band D property in the 13 council areas analysed was £2,266.

Following the increases from April 1st, the average tax for a property in the same areas is now £2,385 – £119 more expensive.

Out of the 13 cities analysed, only four areas are increasing prices by less than £110 per year – Exeter, Southampton, Cambridge and Norwich.

For the second year in a row, households in Birmingham and Nottingham are facing the priciest tax increases.

While Nottingham residents will be paying £126 more per year, households in Birmingham are facing even higher hikes, with council tax bills now totalling an extra £153 per year.

Greg Wilson, savings expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said that households across the country should check to see how much their annual bills have increased by, so they can try and budget for the additional cost.

He said: “This month has seen all council tax payments increase, so it’s important households understand their bills and what the price hikes mean for their annual budgets.

“Single-adult households are eligible for a 25% discount on council tax. There are also several exemptions from council tax payments, such as full-time students and live-in carers.

“However, those in two-person households can expect to now pay over £100 a year more on their council tax.

“Our research shows just how much tax has increased in 13 cities across England, for double-occupant homes in Band D.

“Birmingham residents are seeing the biggest price increase, following an approved 7.5% increase on their tax bills. While residents were paying £2,083 for the previous year, they are now paying £153 more per year, taking their new council tax bill to £2,237.

“Households in Norwich are seeing the smallest increase, with an extra £106 on their bills each year.

“There are ways people can try and recoup some of these additional expenses by shaving savings off other household bills.  Our price comparison site helps households compare products, cut out waste and reduce costs where possible, with rewards and cash back on groceries and essentials.”

Quotezone guides also share money saving tips on how to reduce costs across all sorts of bills, from reducing car, home and pet insurance to finding savings on holidays. 

References:

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20005/council_tax/224/council_tax_bands_and_charges
https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/council-tax/general-information-about-your-council-tax/bands-and-charges/
https://liverpool.gov.uk/council-tax/how-much/
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/council-tax/charges-and-bands
https://www.york.gov.uk/CouncilTaxCharges
https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/news/2024/newcastle-city-council-sets-out-budget-proposals-2025-26
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-information/how-much-council-tax-2024-2025 https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-information/how-much-council-tax-2025-2026
https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-03/how_we_spend_your_council_tax_-_2025_to_2026_0.pdf
https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500336/how_council_tax_is_worked_out_data_and_policies/6306/council_tax_bands_and_charges
https://exeter.gov.uk/council-tax/how-much-is-my-council-tax/bands-and-charges-2025-2026/
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/council-tax/information/council-tax-year/ / https://www.southampton.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s69795/Appendix%2010%20-%202024-25%20Council%20Tax%20Collection%20Fund%20Estimates.pdf
https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/council-tax-bands-and-charges
https://www.norwich.gov.uk/info/20002/council_tax/17/council_tax_bands_and_charges