Map reveals the English regions hit by this year’s biggest council tax hikes

This year, council tax in England will go up by a total of £2.1 billion – but some are facing far bigger hikes than others.

Based on the nationwide average increase of 4.9%, the annual bill for a typical band D property is estimated to be £109 more expensive than the 2024/25 period, with the previous figure of £2,171 rising to £2,280 on April 1.

However, the situation varies across local authorities: nearly half raised rates by the maximum 5%, while six councils around the country were granted permission to exceed this cap.

According to a new study by Go.Compare, Birmingham will see the biggest overall jump among England’s 296 billing areas, paying an extra £43.1 million over the 2025/26 period.

Using government data, the comparison site also compared each authority’s increase against its population, drilling down to the impact on an individual basis.

Results show Windsor and Maidenhead residents will officially be hit hardest, with the bill for each eligible household rising £169.43 compared to 2024/25.

Somerset and Bradford didn’t fare much better either, placing second and third highest thanks to respective increases of £165.19 and £163.40.

Aside from Manchester’s Trafford district in fourth, the rest of the top (or bottom, depending on how you look at it) 10 councils were clustered together in the South, but Richmond Upon Thames was the only one in London.

Elsewhere, Welsh taxpayers can expect rises of between 4.5% and 9.5%, while in Scotland the jump – the first after a two-year freeze – will typically be at least 8%.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, commented: ‘Council tax is an essential household expense, but for many, these rising costs are putting even more pressure on already stretched budgets. If you’re struggling, it’s worth checking if you qualify or council tax reductions or any support schemes in your area.

‘At the same time, looking for savings on other bills, like home insurance, could help offset some of these rising costs. Shopping around for a better deal could make a real difference to your monthly outgoings.’

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