Council tax in England rises by an average of 5%

A new interactive tool is available to help people see how much their council tax bills will rise soon. On average, council tax is set to increase by 5%. However, 29 councils can raise them even more. For instance, Somerset's increase is 7.49%, while Bradford is raising bills by 9.99%. In Bradford, residents in Band A properties will pay an additional £113.34 this year. Windsor & Maidenhead and Newham are also increasing their rates by 8.99%. In Newham, residents in Band D homes will see a rise of £130 annually. Birmingham’s council tax will increase by 7.49%. Some councils, like Sunderland and Doncaster, are raising rates by lower amounts, including 4.49% and 3.99%, respectively. Wandsworth in London has the lowest increase in England at just 2.00%. The Local Government Association has noted the funding shortages councils face, which lead them to increase council tax. To ease the financial burden, residents can check if they qualify for discounts. Those living alone may receive 25% off their bill, and households with certain exemptions can qualify for more. Students living in a property do not pay council tax. Additionally, homes adapted for disabled individuals may be eligible for reduced rates. Major repairs or unoccupied properties might also avoid council tax for a time. It's also important to verify if your home is in the correct council tax band, as many properties could be misclassified, impacting what you pay. If you believe your home is in the wrong band, you can contact the Valuation Office Agency or the Scottish Assessors Association. Gather evidence of similar properties in lower bands to support your case.