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Millions of households will pay higher council tax bills from April as local authorities hike bills for residents during the

von Tamera Penn (16-03-2023)


Millions of households will pay higher council tax bills from April as local authorities hike bills for residents during the cost of living crisis

Three-quarters of English councils are planning a 5 per cent increase to council tax from April 1, according to the County Councils Network.

Five per cent is the biggest increase possible without a regional vote, and means the average band D property will pay an extra £100 a year in council tax, or £2,066 in total.

Households can end up paying less council tax by launching a successful appeal - but the process is complex and can backfire. 

They may also be able to apply for exemptions that can knock up to 100 per cent off their council tax bill.

Tax time travel: Bills for council tax are based on property prices from three decades ago

The average band A council tax bill is currently £1,310.

Band financial planner questions interview B homes pay £1,529 and band C properties £1,747 a year. 

Britons who think their property might be in the wrong council tax band can ask the Valuation Office Agency for a reassessment. But this is risky, as there is no guarantee your band will go down - and in some circumstances it might even go up. 

And not only can you end up paying more council tax after a reassessment, your entire street can too. 

In 2015, residents of Lynton Avenue in Hull, East Yorkshire, ended up paying an extra £160 a year in council tax following one homeowner's failed bid to get their property downgraded. 

RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share 61 shares Why challenge your council tax band?

A successful challenge that leads to your home being moved to a lower council tax band means you save money every year.

You can also get back payments for any overpaid council tax.