Council Tax Dorset 2026-27
In Dorset, council tax for a Band D property is £2,765.02 a year (£230 a month) for 2026-27. A single adult living alone pays £2,073.77 after the 25% single person discount.
Dorset Council · 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 · Source: MHCLG
Dorset council tax bands 2026-27
| Band | Property value (1991) | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | £1,843.35 | £154 |
| B | £40,001 to £52,000 | £2,150.57 | £179 |
| C | £52,001 to £68,000 | £2,457.80 | £205 |
| D | £68,001 to £88,000 | £2,765.02 | £230 |
| E | £88,001 to £120,000 | £3,379.47 | £282 |
| F | £120,001 to £160,000 | £3,993.92 | £333 |
| G | £160,001 to £320,000 | £4,608.37 | £384 |
| H | Over £320,000 | £5,530.04 | £461 |
How Dorset compares
The average Band D council tax in England for 2026-27 is £2,391.52 a year (MHCLG). Dorset is £373.50 above average (£31/month more).
Council tax discounts in Dorset
Frequently asked questions
Can I appeal my council tax band in Dorset?
Yes. If you think your home is in the wrong band, you can ask the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to review it, free of charge. In Dorset, moving from Band D to Band C would lower the 2026-27 bill by £307.22 a year. A review can also move a band up, so compare with similar homes in your street first.
How do I find my council tax band in Dorset?
Your band depends on what your home would have been worth on 1 April 1991. Look it up on the GOV.UK council tax band checker (Valuation Office Agency).
How do I claim the 25% single person discount in Dorset?
If you are the only adult in your home, contact Dorset directly to apply for the 25% single person discount. This reduces Band D from £2,765.02 to £2,073.77/year, a saving of £691/year or £58/month. It is not applied automatically; you must claim it.
How is council tax calculated in Dorset?
The Band D figure for 2026-27 is £2,765.02 (average Band D for the council area, including county, police, fire and average parish precepts). Every other band is a fixed ratio of Band D: Band A is 6/9 of Band D (£1,843.35) and Band H is 18/9 (£5,530.04).
Do I qualify for Council Tax Reduction in Dorset?
Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is means-tested and administered by Dorset. You may qualify if you are on a low income, receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other benefits. Reductions range from a small percentage to 100% of your bill. Apply directly to Dorset council, there is no automatic entitlement and many eligible households miss out by not applying.
What if I cannot afford my council tax in Dorset?
Contact Dorset as early as possible. You can ask to spread your bill over 12 months instead of 10, apply for Council Tax Reduction, or request a discretionary hardship payment. Ignoring reminders is costly: after a missed instalment the council can issue a summons and you may lose the right to pay in instalments, becoming liable for the full year (£2,765.02 at Band D).
Where does the Dorset figure come from?
From Council Tax levels set by local authorities in England 2026 to 2027, published by MHCLG. Your own bill can differ slightly if your area has a parish, town or community council precept. Your bill is the final word.
Council tax by band in Dorset
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