Council Tax Scottish Borders 2025-26
In Scottish Borders, council tax for a Band D property is £1,492 a year (£124 a month) for 2025-26, with charges ranging across Bands A to H. A single adult living alone pays £1,119 after the 25% single person discount.
Scottish Borders Council · Tax year 2025-26 (April 2025-March 2026)
Scottish Borders council tax bands 2025-26
| Band | Property value (1991) | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | £995 | £83 |
| B | £40,001-£52,000 | £1,160 | £97 |
| C | £52,001-£68,000 | £1,326 | £111 |
| D | £68,001-£88,000 | £1,492 | £124 |
| E | £88,001-£120,000 | £1,960 | £163 |
| F | £120,001-£160,000 | £2,342 | £195 |
| G | £160,001-£320,000 | £2,810 | £234 |
| H | Over £320,000 | £3,655 | £305 |
Scotland: Modified Band Multipliers
Since 2017, Scottish councils apply higher multipliers for Bands E-H, making the system more progressive. Band H in Scotland pays approximately 245% of Band D (vs 200% in England). Scottish Water charges (~£440-£480/year) are billed separately on the same notice.
How Scottish Borders compares
The average Band D council tax in Scotland is £1,579/year. Scottish Borders is £87 below average (£7/month less).
Council tax discounts in Scottish Borders
Frequently asked questions
Can I appeal my council tax band in Scottish Borders?
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 £149-£298/year in Scottish Borders. 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 Scottish Borders?
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 Scottish Borders?
If you are the only adult in your home, contact Scottish Borders directly to apply for the 25% single person discount. This reduces Band D from £1,492 to £1,119/year, a saving of £373/year or £31/month. It is not applied automatically; you must claim it.
How is council tax calculated in Scottish Borders?
Scottish Borders Council sets an annual Band D rate (£1,492 in 2025-26). Other bands are calculated as proportions: Band A = 6/9 of Band D (£995), Band G = 15/9 (£2,810). This combined rate includes precepts from the county council, police, and fire authorities.
Do I qualify for Council Tax Reduction in Scottish Borders?
Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is means-tested and administered by Scottish Borders. 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 Scottish Borders council, there is no automatic entitlement and many eligible households miss out by not applying.
What if I cannot afford my council tax in Scottish Borders?
Contact Scottish Borders 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 (£1,492 at Band D).
Is council tax going up in Scottish Borders in 2025-26?
Scottish Borders Council sets its Band D rate each year; for 2025-26 it is £1,492. 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 Scottish Borders for the exact year-on-year change and any parish or local precepts.