Council Tax Support & Calculators
Tools and guides to help you understand your property tax band, check for discounts, and estimate your means-tested reductions for the 2026/27 tax year.
Council Tax Tools
Council Tax Reduction Estimator
Estimate your means-tested support based on your income, savings, and whether you receive benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Local Council Tax Rates (A-Z)
Search for your city, London borough, or council below to see the exact 2026/27 valuation bands and use our local calculator.
Single Person Discount Checker
Check your eligibility for the mandatory 25% discount if you live alone, or if other adults in your home are "disregarded" for tax purposes.
Council Tax Band & Bill Calculator
Understand how property valuation bands (A to H) affect your annual bill and check the average rates for your local authority.
Empty & Second Home Premium
Calculate the extra premiums (up to 300%) charged by local councils for properties that are left empty or used as second homes.
Understanding UK Council Tax in 2026
Council Tax is a local taxation system used in England, Scotland, and Wales to fund services provided by local authorities, such as rubbish collection, police, fire services, and social care. Unlike income tax, it is based on the estimated value of the property you live in, rather than what you earn.
Property Valuation Bands
Every domestic property is allocated to a valuation band by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) in England and Wales, or the Scottish Assessors Association (SAA) in Scotland. The bands range from Band A (the cheapest) to Band H (the most expensive). These bands are historically based on what the property would have sold for in 1991 (or 2003 in Wales), not its current market value.
Who has to pay?
Usually, the person living in the property is responsible for paying the bill. The rules dictate a "hierarchy of liability":
- A resident owner-occupier (freeholder or leaseholder).
- A resident tenant.
- A resident who is a licensee (not a tenant).
- Any resident (including squatters).
- The owner of the property (if it is empty).
Discounts and Exemptions
You may not have to pay the full amount. Common reductions include:
- Single Person Discount: A 25% reduction if you are the only adult living in the property.
- Disregarded Adults: Some people are not counted for Council Tax purposes, such as full-time students, live-in carers, and individuals with a severe mental impairment (SMI). If everyone in the house is disregarded, you get a 50% discount.
- Means-Tested Support: If you have a low income or receive benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you can apply for Council Tax Reduction, which can cover up to 100% of your bill depending on your local council's rules.