What are the council tax bands based on?
In England, council tax bands A to H are based on what a home would have sold for on 1 April 1991. Band A covers values up to £40,000 and band H more than £320,000, according to the Valuation Office. Wales has nine bands, A to I, based on values on 1 April 2003. Scotland uses 1991 values with bands A to H.
You can check any home's band on GOV.UK for England and Wales, or through the Scottish Assessors in Scotland. Northern Ireland has domestic rates, based on capital value, instead of council tax.
The band sets each home's share of the bill relative to Band D, but the amount charged is decided by the council each year. For bill levels and rises, see how much council tax has gone up.
Related questions
- How much has council tax gone up this year?
- What is the maximum council tax increase allowed without a referendum?
- What is the inheritance tax threshold, and how many estates pay it?
This answer says where the official figures are published and how they are defined. It gives no verdict on any claim. To report an error, send a correction request. More questions about tax rates, allowances and household bills: all Tax rates, allowances and household bills questions.