Millions of households face an increase to a key bill from April, adding to cost of living pressures. Council tax looks likely to increase for most people across England.
Local authorities have been given the green light to hike rates by 5%. Adults pay different rates based on their properties but the average bill is set to surge by over £100 a year.
Figures show the average band D council tax set by local authorities in England for 2024-25 was £2,171 – an increase of £106 or 5.1% on the previous year. Councils are now preparing for a fresh hike.
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Local authorities claim the extra money is needed to help boost their budgets but it will be another added cost for hard-up families to worry about. Council tax charges have gone up each year in many areas in recent times, leaving residents frustrated, particularly when they see crumbling roads and other issues.
It comes as energy bills have just gone up at the start of January, by £21 for a typical household. There have also been warnings water bills are set to increase. It means three of the core household bills will be shooting up, increasing the strain on budgets.
Council tax discounts are available for low-income people, those who live alone and certain other groups, so those struggling to pay should see if they can get support from their local authority. The Government has said it is committed to protecting the most vulnerable through the 25% discount on council tax for people who live alone and other support schemes.