Four nations, distinct systems

What the figures cover

A useful comparison starts with knowing what is included.

England: 296 billing authoritiesBands A to H, 2024/25 to 2026/27. Whole area charges include average parish precepts. National Band D component breakdowns and parish returns. Long-term Band D series from 1993/94 where available. Scotland: 32 councilsBands A to H, 2024/25 to 2026/27. Council tax only, excluding water and sewerage charges. Wales: 22 councils2026/27 Band D averages and county, community and police components. Whole pounds as displayed in the source. Other bands are not yet included. Northern Ireland: domestic ratesA different system, based on capital value and regional and district rates. Use the official guide to calculate a rate bill.

Why there is no UK league table

England's area averages, Scotland's council-only charges and Wales's rounded Band D averages are different measures. Combining them into one ranking would obscure those differences. The comparison tool currently compares English councils of the same type and year.

What we do not yet hold

Property-level bands, all-band parish charges nationwide, Welsh community-level precepts, exact address-level bills, household eligibility decisions and Northern Ireland rate schedules are not included. England has 10,245 records from the national parish return, including four ceased entries, and Band D component breakdowns for all 296 billing authorities. The Burnley local schedule covers eight parishes and the unparished area. A published area average is a reference point; your council's bill is the amount payable.

Sources

MHCLG England tables · Scottish Government band tables · Welsh Government 2026/27 tables. Sources reviewed 5 October 2026.