Nearly nine in 10 (88%) of 153 upper-tier authorities in England will impose a 4.99% increase in April, the most allowed without triggering a local referendum.

Nine in 10 councils in England are set to levy the maximum council tax increase. Nearly nine in 10 (88%) of 153 upper-tier authorities in England will impose a 4.99% increase in April, the most allowed without triggering a local referendum.

Nine councils have restricted bill increases to less than 4.5% this year. Sunderland has chosen a 4.49% increase, Kensington & Chelsea in west London 4%, Doncaster and Derby are hiking bills by 3.99%, and North East Lincolnshire will increase bills by 3.98%.

Council tax in Essex will rise by 3.75% and in Rotherham by 3%, while Lincolnshire will hike council tax by 2.99% and Wandsworth in London will increase bills by just 2%.

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Wandsworth said on the local council website: “Sound financial management is at the heart of everything we do. Wandsworth has one of the lowest levels of debt and some of the highest financial reserves in London, allowing us to freeze the main element of councils tax and invest in what matters most.”

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “While councils are ultimately responsible for setting their own council tax levels, we are clear that they should put taxpayers first and carefully consider the impact of their decisions.

“That’s why we are maintaining a referendum threshold on council tax rises, so taxpayers can have the final say and be protected from excessive increases.” A spokesperson for the Local Government Association, which represents councils across England, said: “Councils continue to face severe funding shortages and soaring cost and demand pressures on local services.

“This means that many councils have faced the tough choice about whether to increase bills to bring in desperately needed funding to provide services at a time when they are acutely aware of the significant burden that could place on some households.

“However, while council tax is an important funding stream, the significant financial pressures facing local services cannot be met by council tax income alone. It also raises different amounts in different parts of the country – unrelated to need.

“The spending review needs to ensure councils have adequate funding to deliver the services local people want to see.” The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England for 2024-25 will be £2,171, meaning a five per cent hike works out around £108.