Council tax bands decide how much council tax you pay. Every home in England, Scotland and Wales is placed in a band based on its value on a fixed date, and each band pays a set share of the council’s Band D charge. This guide shows the band values, what each band pays and how to check or challenge your band.
At a glance
- England and Scotland: 8 bands (A to H) based on 1991 values.
- Wales: 9 bands (A to I) based on 2003 values.
- Band A pays two-thirds of the Band D charge; Band H pays double in England.
- Check or challenge your band with the Valuation Office Agency or Scottish Assessors.
Council tax bands in England
| Band | Value on 1 April 1991 | Share of Band D |
|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | 6/9 |
| B | £40,001 to £52,000 | 7/9 |
| C | £52,001 to £68,000 | 8/9 |
| D | £68,001 to £88,000 | 9/9 |
| E | £88,001 to £120,000 | 11/9 |
| F | £120,001 to £160,000 | 13/9 |
| G | £160,001 to £320,000 | 15/9 |
| H | Over £320,000 | 18/9 |
Values are still based on 1991 prices, so a home worth £300,000 today might be in Band C or D. Homes built since then are valued as if they had existed in 1991.
Council tax bands in Scotland
| Band | Value on 1 April 1991 | Share of Band D |
|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £27,000 | 240/360 |
| B | £27,001 to £35,000 | 280/360 |
| C | £35,001 to £45,000 | 320/360 |
| D | £45,001 to £58,000 | 360/360 |
| E | £58,001 to £80,000 | 473/360 |
| F | £80,001 to £106,000 | 585/360 |
| G | £106,001 to £212,000 | 705/360 |
| H | Over £212,000 | 882/360 |
Council tax bands in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland use these values; only the Band D charge differs between councils.
Council tax bands in Wales
| Band | Value on 1 April 2003 |
|---|---|
| A | Up to £44,000 |
| B | £44,001 to £65,000 |
| C | £65,001 to £91,000 |
| D | £91,001 to £123,000 |
| E | £123,001 to £162,000 |
| F | £162,001 to £223,000 |
| G | £223,001 to £324,000 |
| H | £324,001 to £424,000 |
| I | Over £424,000 |
The Welsh Government is reforming council tax, with a revaluation and new bands planned from April 2028.
How much does each band pay?
| Band (England) | A year | Monthly (10 payments) |
|---|---|---|
| A | £1,520 | £152 |
| B | £1,773 | £177 |
| C | £2,027 | £203 |
| D | £2,280 | £228 |
| E | £2,787 | £279 |
| F | £3,293 | £329 |
| G | £3,800 | £380 |
| H | £4,560 | £456 |
Your council sets the Band D figure each April. Work out your own bill with the council tax calculator, and see what you take home after tax with the monthly take home pay calculator.
How to check your council tax band
Search for your postcode on GOV.UK: check your council tax band for England and Wales, or on the Scottish Assessors website for Scotland. It is worth comparing with similar homes on your street.
Challenging your band
- You can ask the Valuation Office Agency (or your Scottish assessor) to review your band if you think it is wrong, for example if similar homes nearby are in a lower band.
- You can also appeal within 6 months of moving in.
- Be careful: a review can also move your band up.
- Keep paying your current bill while the review happens.
The high value council tax surcharge
In the November 2025 Budget, the government announced an extra annual charge on homes in England valued at over £2 million, planned from April 2028. It rises in steps from £2,500 a year to £7,500 for homes over £5 million, and will be collected alongside council tax.
Frequently asked questions
What council tax band is my house?
Check your postcode on GOV.UK or the Scottish Assessors website. Your bill also shows your band.
Which council tax band is cheapest?
Band A, which pays two-thirds of the Band D charge.
Are council tax bands the same everywhere?
The bands are set nationally in each of England, Scotland and Wales, but each council sets its own Band D charge, so bills vary.
Will council tax bands be revalued?
Wales plans a revaluation from 2028. There is no revaluation planned for England or Scotland at present.