Council tax bills surge by £7.3bn in just four years

Council tax bills in England have risen by almost £7.3 billion over the past four years, according to new research into the increase in tax rates by Go.Compare.

Birmingham has seen the largest jump in costs across all eligible properties, totalling an extra £136.8 million during this period. Croydon has experienced the highest increase per property since 2022/23, with eligible residents seeing an increase of £616.63.

Local authorities have raised rates by an average of 4.9% this year, but some have exceeded this due to financial difficulties. The insurance comparison site found that one in three councils in England has raised the tax by more than 5%. Struggling authorities like Bradford (9.29%) and Windsor and Maidenhead (8.31%) are among those with the biggest price hikes, adding financial pressure to millions of households in these areas.

The increases are largely due to rising costs for social care, housing, and other essential services. Councils facing financial shortfalls are under pressure to boost revenue, leading to higher tax rates.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said “With council tax bills rising once again, many households are feeling the strain of ever-increasing living costs. If you’re struggling with rising prices, it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible for any discounts or support schemes where you live.

“With essentials going up, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re getting the best deal on all household expenses, including home insurance. Shopping around for a better policy or adjusting your cover to suit your needs could help you free up some extra cash.“