The Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced on 2 October 2026 the forthcoming publication of ‘Council Tax: challenges and changes in England and Wales, March 2026’, scheduled for release on 25 March 2027. This annual statistical bulletin provides comprehensive data on council tax levels, band distributions, collection rates, and the impact of local authority financial pressures. The 2026 edition will include new analysis on the effects of the 2025 Council Tax Reform Act, which introduced a new band H for high-value properties and permitted differential increases for adult social care precepts. Data will be sourced from the Council Tax Base (CTB) returns submitted by all 333 billing authorities in England and 22 in Wales.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced Data Granularity: The 2026 release will feature interactive dashboards allowing users to compare council tax levels by region, property band, and deprivation index. New metrics include the proportion of households receiving Council Tax Reduction (CTR) and the average Band D equivalent charge.
- Policy Impact Assessment: The bulletin will evaluate the first-year effects of the 2025 reforms, including the rebanding exercise that moved 1.2 million properties into higher bands. Preliminary data suggests an average Band D increase of 4.8%, the highest in a decade.
- User Engagement: ONS is conducting a consultation on future content until 30 November 2026, seeking input on incorporating longitudinal tracking of council tax arrears, enforcement actions, and the fiscal sustainability of local authorities.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement