Council Tax New Forest 2025-26
In New Forest, council tax for a Band D property is £1,980 a year (£165 a month) for 2025-26, with charges ranging across Bands A to H. A single adult living alone pays £1,485 after the 25% single person discount.
New Forest District Council · Tax year 2025-26 (April 2025-March 2026)
New Forest council tax bands 2025-26
| Band | Property value (1991) | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | £1,320 | £110 |
| B | £40,001-£52,000 | £1,540 | £128 |
| C | £52,001-£68,000 | £1,760 | £147 |
| D | £68,001-£88,000 | £1,980 | £165 |
| E | £88,001-£120,000 | £2,420 | £202 |
| F | £120,001-£160,000 | £2,860 | £238 |
| G | £160,001-£320,000 | £3,300 | £275 |
| H | Over £320,000 | £3,960 | £330 |
How New Forest compares
The average Band D council tax in England is £2,392/year. New Forest is £412 below average (£34/month less).
Council tax discounts in New Forest
Frequently asked questions
Can I appeal my council tax band in New Forest?
Yes, if you believe your property was placed in the wrong band in 1991, you can challenge it through the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) for England and Wales. Moving down one band saves £198-£396/year in New Forest. Appeals are free. Check similar properties in your street that have been revalued, a successful challenge is backdated.
How do I find my council tax band in New Forest?
Your council tax band is based on your property's value in 1991 (2003 for Wales). You can check your band on the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) website for England and Wales, or the Scottish Assessors Association for Scotland.
How do I claim the 25% single person discount in New Forest?
If you are the only adult in your home, contact New Forest directly to apply for the 25% single person discount. This reduces Band D from £1,980 to £1,485/year, a saving of £495/year or £41/month. It is not applied automatically; you must claim it.
How is council tax calculated in New Forest?
New Forest District Council sets an annual Band D rate (£1,980 in 2025-26). Other bands are calculated as proportions: Band A = 6/9 of Band D (£1,320), Band G = 15/9 (£3,300). This combined rate includes precepts from the county council, police, and fire authorities.
Do I qualify for Council Tax Reduction in New Forest?
Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is means-tested and administered by New Forest. 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 New Forest council, there is no automatic entitlement and many eligible households miss out by not applying.
What if I cannot afford my council tax in New Forest?
Contact New Forest 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 (£1,980 at Band D).
Is council tax going up in New Forest in 2025-26?
New Forest District Council sets its Band D rate each year; for 2025-26 it is £1,980. In England, councils cannot raise council tax by more than 4.99% (2% plus a 3% adult social care precept) without holding a local referendum. Scotland and Wales set their own limits. Check New Forest for the exact year-on-year change and any parish or local precepts.