Council Tax East Lothian 2026-27
In East Lothian, council tax for a Band D property is £1,697.62 a year (£141 a month) for 2026-27. A single adult living alone pays £1,273.22 after the 25% single person discount.
East Lothian Council · 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 · Source: Scottish Government
East Lothian council tax bands 2026-27
| Band | Property value (1991) | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £27,000 | £1,131.75 | £94 |
| B | £27,001 to £35,000 | £1,320.37 | £110 |
| C | £35,001 to £45,000 | £1,509.00 | £126 |
| D | £45,001 to £58,000 | £1,697.62 | £141 |
| E | £58,001 to £80,000 | £2,230.48 | £186 |
| F | £80,001 to £106,000 | £2,758.63 | £230 |
| G | £106,001 to £212,000 | £3,324.51 | £277 |
| H | Over £212,000 | £4,159.17 | £347 |
Scotland: Modified Band Multipliers
Since April 2017, Scottish councils apply steeper ratios to Bands E to H: Band H pays 882/360 of Band D, about 245%, against 200% in England. Scottish Water and waste water charges appear on the same bill but are not included in the figures above.
How East Lothian compares
The average Band D council tax in Scotland for 2026-27 is £1,653.44 a year (Scottish Government). East Lothian is £44.18 above average (£4/month more).
Council tax discounts in East Lothian
Frequently asked questions
Can I appeal my council tax band in East Lothian?
Yes. If you think your home is in the wrong band, you can ask your local Assessor (Scottish Assessors Association) to review it, free of charge. In East Lothian, moving from Band D to Band C would lower the 2026-27 bill by £188.62 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 East Lothian?
Your band depends on what your home would have been worth on 1 April 1991. Look it up on the Scottish Assessors Association website.
How do I claim the 25% single person discount in East Lothian?
If you are the only adult in your home, contact East Lothian directly to apply for the 25% single person discount. This reduces Band D from £1,697.62 to £1,273.22/year, a saving of £424/year or £35/month. It is not applied automatically; you must claim it.
How is council tax calculated in East Lothian?
The Band D figure for 2026-27 is £1,697.62 (Band D set by the council, excluding water and waste water charges). Every other band is a fixed ratio of Band D: Band A is 240/360 of Band D (£1,131.75) and Band H is 882/360 (£4,159.17), Scotland having steeper ratios for Bands E to H since 2017.
Do I qualify for Council Tax Reduction in East Lothian?
Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is means-tested and administered by East Lothian. 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 East Lothian council, there is no automatic entitlement and many eligible households miss out by not applying.
What if I cannot afford my council tax in East Lothian?
Contact East Lothian 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 (£1,697.62 at Band D).
Where does the East Lothian figure come from?
From Council Tax by band 2026-27, published by Scottish Government. 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 East Lothian
Take-home pay in East Lothian
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