Millions of households across England could see their council tax bills rise again as little-known parish council charges continue increasing sharply. New figures show local precepts are approaching the £1 billion mark for the first time, adding fresh pressure on families already dealing with rising living costs.
Parish Council Charges Are Increasing Across England
Nearly nine million households currently pay parish or town council precepts alongside standard council tax bills. The extra charges help fund local services such as park maintenance, village halls, memorials and community projects.
According to new estimates reported by The Sun, parish councils are expected to raise around £942 million during the 2026-27 financial year, up from £859 million the previous year. Analysts now believe total receipts could exceed £1 billion for the first time by 2027-28.
Many Households Face Steep Bill Increases
For households paying parish precepts, bills are expected to rise by an average of 8.2% this year. Unlike county or district councils, parish and town councils are not subject to the same referendum restrictions limiting council tax increases above 4.99%.
This allows smaller councils to impose larger rises without needing government approval or public votes. Figures show around 3,800 parish councils approved increases above 4.99% earlier this year.
Around 50 parishes reportedly doubled their average Band D precept compared with last year.
Some Areas Are Seeing Particularly High Charges
In certain parts of England, parish charges have risen especially sharply. Residents in Elmton, Derbyshire, are now facing some of the highest parish precepts in the country, with Band D households paying around £551 annually.
Other areas introduced entirely new parish charges after previously not collecting any precept at all. The average Band D parish precept is now expected to pass £100 for the first time.
Government Faces Questions Over Rising Costs
The growing increases have triggered concerns as many households continue struggling with rising living costs. Questions have been raised over whether larger local authorities have reduced financial support for parish councils, forcing them to raise more money directly from residents.
The Government said it currently plans to maintain existing rules allowing parish councils greater flexibility over tax increases. Officials also said councils should protect taxpayers from excessive rises wherever possible.
Households Continue Feeling Pressure From Rising Bills
The latest increases come as many families already face higher mortgage payments, energy costs and food prices. For millions of households, rising parish precepts could now add another hidden cost to annual council tax bills over the coming years.
