Overview

• 88% of England's 153 upper-tier councils will raise council tax by the maximum 4.99% allowed without a referendum for the 2025-26 financial year.
• Six councils have received government approval to exceed the 4.99% cap, with increases as high as 9.99% in Bradford and 8.99% in Newham.
• For 68% of councils, this marks the third consecutive year of maximum allowable council tax increases, reflecting ongoing financial strain.
• Critics argue the current council tax system is outdated, relying on 1991 property valuations and creating inequities in funding across regions.
• Local government leaders warn that rising bills are not addressing the underlying funding crisis, with services increasingly focused on critical needs like social care.