Here’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting:
Kent County Council proposed a 3.99% council tax rise for 2026-27, positioning it below the 5% cap but still affecting average bills; this was described as a step to stabilise finances amid budget pressures. This reflects ongoing reform discussions at the local level and the tension between tax funding needs and resident costs.[1]
The government began a broad consultation in 2025 on modernising council tax administration and reforms to simplify billing, discounts, and debt collection, with widespread discussion about moving to a universal form and potentially changing how payments are scheduled; the aim is to address long-standing flaws in the English system. This is part of a broader reform agenda that could affect future council tax rules in England.[2][6]
Reuters/press coverage in 2025–2026 highlighted Reform UK’s emphasis on lower council tax increases in councils they control, arguing savings come from reducing waste and certain policies; this signals ongoing political framing around reform in local government budgeting.[4]
A 2026 roundup noted that many authorities were planning rises near the 5% threshold, with a substantial portion of councils proposing increases of at least 4.99%, illustrating the scale of reform pressure and funding gaps across England.[5]
If you’d like, I can distill these into a concise briefing with key dates, affected councils, and expected policy levers, or track a particular council or region (e.g., England-wide reforms vs. specific councils like Kent) in more detail. I can also look for the most current local council budget documents or official government consultations and summarize them.
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on many of these issues, shares his reaction and analysis.
www.moneysavingexpert.comSpeaking ahead of a Leeds rally, Nigel Farage said Reform UK councils had already saved "millions".
www.bbc.comIt means most County Durham residents will have to pay at least 10% of their council tax bills.
www.bbc.co.ukIn real terms, an average Band D household will see council tax increase by an estimated £67.47 per year under the changes
www.independent.co.ukReform UK slams cancellations as a ‘denial of democracy’ and a ‘Labour/Conservative cover up’
www.gbnews.com125 authorities – 82% of the total – are planning a rise of at least 4.99%
www.independent.co.ukSenior researcher Stuart Hoddinott comments in The Guardian on the property valuation system and its impact on the calculation of council tax.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk