Overview

• Financial Times analysis finds 55% of recently sold homes are in the wrong band, with only about a third of properties sold as Band D actually matching Band D.
• PropertyData reports a threefold regional gap in proportional burden, with London homeowners paying about 0.27% of property value versus roughly 0.79% in Newcastle and Preston.
• Examples show extreme mismatches, including a £3.46 million Kilburn home paying about 0.03% of its value in council tax, while comparable northern properties face much higher shares.
• Council tax bands still rest on 1991 valuations, a structure experts describe as regressive and unfair for lower‑value areas and modest homes.
• The Housing Ministry says it will not change existing bands now and is exploring a modernised challenge process, as Housing Secretary Steve Reed rules out revaluation before 2029 and figures discuss options like adding extra bands or broader tax redesigns.