Title

FINANCE

Council tax rises to 10% of income in some areas

The council tax burden in some parts of the country has increased to more than 10% of the average income, new research has revealed.

The council tax burden in some parts of the country has increased to more than 10% of the average income, new research has revealed.

West Devon, Nottingham, Pendle and Torridge all charge more than 10% of the median salary for their region in council tax, according to the TaxPayers' Alliance.

The North East had the highest council tax relative to median gross pay of UK regions - at 8.66%.

Scotland was the lowest at 5.1%.

The 20 lowest earning districts in the UK all charged more than 8% of the average salary in council tax.

Relative to both house prices and median pay, the four lowest charging councils were all in London.

FINANCE

Fiscal devolution: A test of seriousness for government and places

By Mike Emmerich | 20 April 2026

If government and mayoral strategic authorities are willing to match fiscal responsibility and the retention of the proceeds of growth within agreed paramete...

FINANCE

Might it be time to look at some alternatives to increasing council tax?

By Iain Murray | 17 April 2026

Iain Murray says the challenge is not the annual decision to increase council tax, but how far the wider funding framework aligns with the scale and nature o...

FINANCE

Reform defends £700m council savings claim

By Ann McGauran | 16 April 2026

A senior Reform UK figure has defended the party’s claim it has found £700m of savings at the councils it controls.

FINANCE

Government ploughs on with council tax billing switch

By Joe Lepper | 15 April 2026

The Government is to plough on with its plans to switch council tax billing from 10 to 12-month instalments.

Popular articles by William Eichler