As local authorities in England prepare for the upcoming financial year, most have opted to implement the full allowable increase in council tax for 2025/26. This move comes in response to funding pressures and the growing demand for local services. Below is a comprehensive list of confirmed council tax rises for all top-tier local authorities in England. The data, compiled by the PA news agency, covers the 153 top-tier authorities, including county councils, London boroughs, metropolitan boroughs, and unitary authorities. It does not account for lower-tier district councils.
County councils
Many county councils have chosen to increase council tax by the maximum permitted 4.99% for the third consecutive year. Notable increases include:
- Cambridgeshire: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.98%)
- Derbyshire: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 3.75%)
- Devon: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Hampshire: 4.995% (2024/25: 4.998%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Lancashire: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 3.99%)
- Norfolk: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Nottinghamshire: 4.84% (2024/25: 4.84%, 2023/24: 4.84%)
- Oxfordshire: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
In these counties, the increases are generally consistent with those seen in previous years, indicating a trend of steady fiscal policy amidst rising pressures on local budgets.
London boroughs
The majority of London boroughs have confirmed increases of 4.99% for 2025/26. Among the noteworthy exceptions is Newham, which has opted for a more significant rise of 8.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%). Other increases include:
- Barking & Dagenham: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Barnet: 4.98% (2024/25: 4.98%, 2023/24: 3.80%)
- Brent: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Croydon: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 14.99%)
- Kensington & Chelsea: 4.00% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 2.18%)
London boroughs have faced a unique challenge, with some councils raising taxes higher due to the increasing cost of services and inflationary pressures.
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Metropolitan boroughs
In metropolitan boroughs, there has been a mixed response, but many have adopted the full 4.99% increase. However, some larger cities have opted for higher rises:
- Birmingham: 7.49% (2024/25: 9.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Bradford: 9.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Manchester: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Sheffield: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Wigan: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
These increases in metropolitan areas reflect the ongoing financial strain faced by urban councils, which provide a wide range of essential services to large populations.
Unitary authorities
Unitary authorities also show a trend of stability in council tax increases. For instance:
- Bath & North East Somerset: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Bristol: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Blackpool: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
- Brighton & Hove: 4.99% (2024/25: 4.99%, 2023/24: 4.99%)
As with other types of authorities, unitary councils have largely adhered to the 4.99% rise, reflecting the ongoing financial pressures placed on local government services.
Why the increases?
The council tax rises for 2025/26 come amid a backdrop of rising costs for local services. With increasing demand for adult social care, schools, and other essential services, many local authorities have turned to council tax increases as a primary means of boosting their budgets. The government’s funding to local authorities has not kept pace with inflation, leading councils to make tough decisions regarding tax hikes.
Conclusion
The majority of England’s top-tier councils are opting for the maximum permitted council tax increases in 2025/26. While some areas, particularly in London and metropolitan boroughs, are facing more significant rises, the trend reflects the broader fiscal challenges faced by local government authorities across the country. As councils prepare for the new tax year, residents may expect to see higher bills, contributing to the ongoing debate on the future of local government funding in the UK.
