Council tax bills are set to increase for millions of households across England, Scotland, and Wales this April.
Although the government will increase its funding to local councils for 2025/26, the Local Government Association has stated that council finances are still facing "extremely challenging" conditions.
In England, councils with social care responsibilities can raise council tax by up to 4.99% each year without holding a referendum, while smaller councils without social care duties can increase bills by up to 2.99%.
But for 2025-26, the government has allowed six areas to exceed the 4.99% limit. So, what does this mean for council tax increases in the East Midlands? We've compiled a list of the 10 local councils to find out.
The following are ranked from lowest to highest increase, with details on whether the rises are proposed (i.e., still pending approval) or confirmed as of writing.
5. Leicester (4.99% proposed)
Leicester City Council is expected to approve a 4.99% increase in council tax for the 2025/26 financial year, which will take effect in April. This is the maximum increase allowed by the government. | dudlajzov - stock.adobe.com
6. Leicestershire (4.99% confirmed)
Leicestershire County Council says tax will increase by 4.99% - the highest amount it could approve without a referendum - from April. The authority said it had no choice but authorise the rise due to climbing demand and costs. | Nicola - stock.adobe.com
7. North Northamptonshire (4.99% confirmed)
North Northamptonshire Council's council tax is increasing by 4.99% for 2025/26, which includes a 2.99% increase for core services. This increase was approved by the council in February 2025. | Rusana - stock.adobe.com
8. Nottingham (4.99% proposed)
The council's budget for 2025/26 includes £20 million of growth funding to ensure key services are delivered effectively to meet the needs of local people, and a proposed increase in Council Tax of 4.99%, made up of a 2.99% General Fund increase and a 2% Adult Social Care Precept. | Leonid Andronov - stock.adobe.com