How Much is Council Tax Per Month - Band C

Discover how much you pay for Council Tax Band C, how to find your band, who sets them, and how they're decided.

Council Tax is a mandatory charge levied by local authorities in the UK to fund essential services such as education, waste management, and public safety. The amount you pay depends on your property's assigned Council Tax band, which is determined by its estimated value at a specific point in time. This article focuses on Council Tax Band C, detailing its charges, how to find your band, who sets these bands, and the criteria used in their determination.​

Council Tax Bands and Charges

Properties in England, Scotland, and Wales are categorized into Council Tax bands based on their assessed value at a specific date:​

  • England and Scotland: Valuations are based on property values as of 1 April 1991.​

  • Wales: Valuations are based on property values as of 1 April 2003.​

Each band corresponds to a range of property values:​

  • Band A: Up to £40,000​

  • Band B: £40,001 to £52,000​

  • Band C: £52,001 to £68,000​

  • Band D: £68,001 to £88,000​

  • Band E: £88,001 to £120,000​

  • Band F: £120,001 to £160,000​

  • Band G: £160,001 to £320,000​

  • Band H: Over £320,000​

For properties in Band C, this means their estimated value was between £52,001 and £68,000 at the time of valuation.​

How Much You Pay

The amount payable for Council Tax varies depending on your local authority, as each sets its rates based on budgetary requirements. For a Band C property, the annual charge is typically calculated as 8/9ths of the Band D rate. For example:​

  • Bedford Borough Council: The annual Council Tax for a Band C property is £1,988.68, equating to approximately £165.72 per month.

  • Luton Borough Council: The annual charge for a Band C property is £2,062.61, or about £171.88 per month.

It's important to note that these figures can vary annually and between different councils. Therefore, it's advisable to check with your local authority for the most accurate and up-to-date information.​

How to Find Your Council Tax Band

To determine your property's Council Tax band:​

  1. England and Wales: Visit the GOV.UK Council Tax bands page and enter your postcode.​

  2. Scotland: Use the Scottish Assessors Association website to find your band.​

If you believe your property is incorrectly banded, you can challenge the assessment through the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) in England and Wales or the Scottish Assessors Association in Scotland.

Who Sets Council Tax Bands?

In England and Wales, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for assigning properties to Council Tax bands. In Scotland, this task falls to the Scottish Assessors Association. These agencies evaluate properties based on specific criteria to ensure a fair distribution of the tax burden.

How Your Council Tax Band is Decided

Council Tax bands are determined based on the estimated market value of properties at the time of valuation (1991 for England and Scotland, 2003 for Wales). Factors considered include:​

  • Property size

  • Layout and character

  • Location and surroundings

  • Change in use (e.g., from residential to business)

It's important to note that significant changes to your property, such as extensions or conversions, can affect its banding. However, these changes typically only lead to a revaluation when the property is sold.​

Final Thoughts

Understanding your Council Tax band and the associated charges is crucial for effective financial planning. If you have concerns about your property's banding or believe there may be an error, it's advisable to contact the relevant valuation agency to seek clarification or request a reassessment.​