However you view it, Council Tax is lower in Scotland than England. Council’s get their funding from a combination of Council Tax, Non-dometic Rates, Scottish Government Grant, and the charges they apply to some local services. By increasing the Grant Scotland has kept its Council Taxes down compared to England.

The level of Council Tax we pay in Scotland – compared to our pay – is lower than most of England.

Council Tax level is dependent on the Band that a house is rated at. More valuable houses are rated at a highe band. This means that Council Tax is progressive – it can help to address wealth inequality. This is the approach taken in Scotland. People living in less valuable properties pay less tax – and in 2023-24 will see a freeze in what they must pay. It is only those in the most high value properties that will see a higher increase than England – but will still end up paying less.

Note that in Scotland our water charges are lumped in with the Council Tax. In England they are shown seperately (because in England water is delivered by private companies). This makes direct comparison more difficult.

Sources

The UK Government Office for National Statistics (ONS).