Council tax warning as appealing 'could mean bigger bill'

Council tax warning as appealing 'could mean bigger bill'Millions of households face council tax increases this April, but experts warn challenging your council tax band could backfireCommentsMoneySteven Smith Content Editor03:48, 06 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesBills are rising for most this month(Image: John Lamb via Getty Images)Millions of households are bracing for a council tax shock this April, with bills soaring by up to 10 per cent in certain parts of the UK. While some financial experts often advise hard-pressed residents to challenge their council tax band, one has cautioned that this move could actually result in families shelling out even more.‌Those disputing their council tax banding could pocket savings of around £500 annually, assuming a drop from Band E to D. However, there's a risk it could also rise by this amount if you're not vigilant.‌Where in the UK is council tax rising the most?In England, council tax hikes are limited to five per cent, but seven regions have been granted special permission to exceed this due to budgetary strains, leaving local households to foot the bill. Although there's no legal limit on council tax increases in Scotland, it's confirmed that some households will be hit with a 10 per cent hike in their council tax bills.‌North Somerset and Shropshire will experience the steepest increase in England, with council tax in these areas rocketing by nearly nine per cent from April. Caerphilly council has proposed a 6.35 per cent hike to household bills, marking the single largest increase in Wales, followed closely by Monmouthshire at 5.95 per cent.View 3 ImagesMel Whiting(Image: Norton Finance)Homes in Scotland are set to experience the largest council tax bill increase in the UK, with properties in Aberdeenshire and Moray facing a 10 per cent annual hike, while Argyll and Bute, Falkirk and Midlothian brace for at least a nine per cent rise.‌How to challenge your council tax bandingWhile you can't lo...