Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to address increases in the average rate of council tax across (a) Band D and (b) other Bands for those not on local council tax support.

It is for individual councils to decide their level of council tax, taking into consideration a range of local factors, including the impact on taxpayers. We expect local authorities to support vulnerable taxpayers in all bands from council tax increases where possible, including by providing a local council tax support scheme.

The Government has set a core referendum principle of 3% and a 2% adult social care precept for 2026-27. Where referendum principles are in place, councils seeking to set an increase above this threshold must have it approved by voters.

The Government remains committed to ensuring the council tax system is fair for taxpayers and local authorities, and will continue to keep the system under review.