01. Council Tax

Council Tax is a local taxation system used in England, Scotland, and Wales to fund local government services. It applies to domestic properties and is levied by local councils. The revenue collected from Council Tax is used to pay for a variety of services, including: 

• Waste collection and disposal 
• Police and fire services 
• Libraries and leisure facilities 
• Street maintenance and lighting 

• Local education and social care services 

  
  

The amount of Council Tax you pay depends on the value of your property and its assigned Council Tax band. Properties are categorised into bands based on their estimated market value as of a specific date: 

• In England and Wales, this date is April 1, 1991. 

• In Scotland, this date is April 1, 1993. 

  
  

The bands range from A (lowest value) to H (highest value), with each band corresponding to a different tax rate. Local councils set the specific rates for each band, which means the amount can vary depending on where you live. 

Determining your property's Council Tax band 

England and Wales 

In England and Wales, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for assigning Council Tax bands to properties. The bands are based on the estimated market value of the property as of April 1, 1991. Here is how you can find out your property’s Council Tax band: 

• Visit the VOA website: Go to the Valuation Office Agency’s official website: VOA Council Tax Bands. 
• Search for your property: On the VOA website, you will find a search tool where you can enter your property's postcode or address. After entering your details, the website will display a list of properties matching your criteria. 

• Check the band: Locate your property in the list, and the corresponding Council Tax band will be displayed alongside it. 

  
  

Scotland 

In Scotland, the responsibility for assigning Council Tax bands lies with the Scottish Assessors Association. These bands are based on the estimated market value of the property as of April 1, 1993. Here is how to check your Council Tax band in Scotland: 

• Visit the Scottish Assessors Association website: Navigate to the official site Scottish Assessors Association. 
• Search for your property: Use the search function to enter your property’s address or postcode. The website will display search results listing properties that match your criteria. 
• Check the band: Find your property in the list and review the assigned Council Tax band. 

Council Tax bands 

Council Tax bands range from A to H in England, Wales, and Scotland. Here is a breakdown of these bands: 

• Band A: Up to £40,000 
• Band B: £40,001 to £52,000 
• Band C: £52,001 to £68,000 
• Band D: £68,001 to £88,000 
• Band E: £88,001 to £120,000 
• Band F: £120,001 to £160,000 
• Band G: £160,001 to £320,000 
• Band H: Over £320,000 

Local variations 

The amount of Council Tax payable can vary significantly depending on the local council’s rates and the services they provide. Therefore, after determining your Council Tax band, you should visit your local council’s website or contact them directly to find out the exact amount you will need to pay. 

Assistance and further information 

If you have any issues or need further assistance: 

• England and Wales: You can contact the VOA for help with Council Tax band inquiries. 
• Scotland: You can get in touch with your local Assessor’s office through the Scottish Assessors Association website.