Council tax rises in the UK 2023: What you need to know

Read our guide about what council tax is, who has to pay it, and how much it's going up by.

What is Council Tax?

• Council tax is a form of tax in the UK that you have to pay if you own or rent a property.
• It helps fund vital services provided by your local council, like street lighting, waste collection, and care homes.
• The amount you pay depends on the value of your property and where you live.
• Some people are exempt from paying or can get a discount or reduction.
• Increases in 2023 mean that households across the UK will see their bill rise.

In this guide, we’ll break down the details on who has to pay and how much it is going up by in each part of the UK.
 

Who Pays Council Tax?

Who is responsible for paying council tax? Here's what you need to know:

• Anyone over 18 who owns or rents a home is typically liable to pay.
• If you live alone, you are entitled to a 25% discount on your council tax bill.
• There are some clear exemptions, like if you're a full time university student, under 18, or a student nurse. Check whether you are exempt or not on this website.
• If you work away from home and your property is empty, you can get a 50% discount on your council tax bill.
• It's important to remember that the occupant of the property is liable for the council tax bill, not the landlord. So if you are a tenant, you are responsible for paying the bill.

Always check with you local council to see if you are eligible for any discounts or exemptions based on your individual circumstances. This guide is a good place to start.

You may also want to check out our guide on the Property Tax Allowance.

When Is Council Tax Increasing in 2023?

Council tax in the UK is going up on 1 April 2023. 

Councils in England can raise council tax by up to 5%. According to an analysis by the County Councils Network, three-quarters of eligible councils in England with social care duties are planning to raise council tax by the maximum amount.

Councils in the UK have had their budgets squeezed in recent years due to government cuts, increasing demand for social care and rising costs of waste disposal. 

These pressures have left councils struggling to provide basic services, which is why they have turned to raising taxes to generate much-needed revenue.
 

How Much Is Council Tax Going Up?

The amount your council tax bill will go up depends on several factors, including the council you live in, the band your property is in, and the percentage increase being applied.

As a general guide, if you pay the average Band D council tax of £1,966 a year and your council tax goes up by 5%, that would mean an extra £98.30 across the year, or £8.19 a month.

To find out exactly how much your bill will go up, you can search for your property on the government website or contact your local council directly.

Here are the increases expected in each Council in the UK:
 

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