Council tax is a local tax to help pay for local services. These services include police and fire services, upkeep of local roads and street lighting, drainage, etc
The amount of council tax you pay in is graded, dependent on the value of your home. The value of your home is set based on the capital value of your property at 1 April 1991.
The amount of council tax you have to pay depends on which of the eight valuation bands your home is in. The higher value the home, the greater your council tax bill will be.
The bands are set out on the website run by the Borough in which you live in. The exact amount you pay will vary parish by parish because of changes in parish precepts, etc.
Your property’s current banding is detailed on your council tax bill but if you want to check the council tax property band you can check it on the Valuation Office Agency website.
There are various exemptions that apply to council tax. They are;
- Vacant property - Properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished will receive a 100% exemption for a maximum period of one month. Properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished for two years or more will be charged an additional 50% on top of the full council tax. There is no reduction for properties that are unoccupied and furnished.
- Occupied property - where all occupiers are under 18, or full-time students, or members of the armed forces, or severely mentally impaired. Elderly relatives living in an annexe are also exempt.
- Local exemptions - From the 1st of April 2004 there is a 100% exemption from council tax for up to 12 months for any property which has become uninhabitable because of a natural disaster and which needs major building or remedial repairs to make it livable again.
If you are the single occupier of a property then you are currently entitled to a 25% reduction in your council tax bill. If you are a tenant on a limited income you may be entitled to help towards paying your annual council tax bill. Council tax support is means-tested, which means it is calculated by taking into account your income, capital and household circumstances.
For full details of what support you may be entitled to visit your borough's website.
Related articles:
Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide
Recent posts
UK Housing Market Round-Up: 2025
14 days ago
Property search site Zoopla has estimated that the UK housing market will end 2025 with approximately 1.15 million completed sales – 4.5% more than the previous year.
Take a look at the 2025 summary of the UK housing market.
Best UK Mortgage Rates this Week
14 days ago
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
Buying in the New Year
15 days ago
If buying your first property, or moving home, is on your to-do list this year, the new year can be a great time to take this big step. In this short blog, we look at what you need to consider as you plan and prepare for your home-buying journey.
Just because the Bank of England decides to reduce the base rate, this doesn't automatically mean that your mortgage rate will go down.
Autumn Budget 2025: A Summary
26 Nov 2025
Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has delivered the Autumn 2025 budget. We have summarised the government's plans for tax and spending.
Renters' Rights Act
14 Nov 2025
The Renter’s Rights Bill became law at the end of October, which means it has been signed off by the King, and it is now the Renters’ Rights Act. Despite this becoming law, these changes are likely to start changing within the next six months, with the aim of being fully implemented throughout 2026 and into 2027.
A welcome change in school is coming as financial literacy is due to become compulsory in schools in England.
The Government has announced that as part of the new national curriculum, children in primary and secondary education will be required to learn about budgeting, compound interest, managing money, and mortgages.
The top 10 most beautiful villages in the world
24 Oct 2025
Forbes has published a global ranking of stunning locations and one popular picturesque corner of the UK has nabbed top spot.
More information
Trusted by
