South West | England

Council Tax Bands in Dorset 2026/27

Band D 2026/27

£2,765.02

+£134.72 (+5.1%) vs 2025/26

Full band A to H council tax rates for Dorset from 1 April 2026.

Quick answer

Council tax bands in Dorset for 2026/27 run from £1,843.35 (Band A) to £5,530.04 (Band H), with the Band D reference rate set at £2,765.02 (up 5.1% on 2025/26). All eight bands (A to H) are fixed fractions of Band D; the full rate table with monthly figures is below.

Band A to H Rate Table - Dorset 2026/27

Band	1991 value range	Annual rate	Monthly (10 mths)	Monthly (12 mths)
ABand A	Up to £40,000	£1,843.35	£184.33	£153.61
BBand B	£40,001 to £52,000	£2,150.57	£215.06	£179.21
CBand C	£52,001 to £68,000	£2,457.80	£245.78	£204.82
DBand D	£68,001 to £88,000	£2,765.02	£276.50	£230.42
EBand E	£88,001 to £120,000	£3,379.47	£337.95	£281.62
FBand F	£120,001 to £160,000	£3,993.92	£399.39	£332.83
GBand G	£160,001 to £320,000	£4,608.37	£460.84	£384.03
HBand H	Over £320,000	£5,530.04	£553.00	£460.84

Source: Dorset Council council tax schedule 2026/27, published April 2026. Monthly 10-month figures based on standard payment plan. 12-month figures for direct debit monthly arrangements.

Last verified 2026-07-02 against Dorset Council's published 2026/27 schedule.

Year-on-Year Change

Band D 2025/26

£2,630.30

Band D 2026/27

£2,765.02

Annual increase

+£134.72 (+5.1%)

Dorset's Band D rate increased by £134.72 (5.1%) in 2026/27 compared to the previous year. This is at or near the maximum permitted increase under the government's referendum principle.

How Dorset Calculates Band Rates

Like all local authorities, Dorset sets a single Band D rate each year. All other bands are then calculated as fixed fractions of that rate, set nationally by central government. The fractions are expressed in ninths:

Band	Fraction of Band D	Calculation	2026/27 rate
Band A	6/9	£2,765.02 × 6/9	£1,843.35
Band B	7/9	£2,765.02 × 7/9	£2,150.57
Band C	8/9	£2,765.02 × 8/9	£2,457.80
Band D	9/9	Baseline rate	£2,765.02
Band E	11/9	£2,765.02 × 11/9	£3,379.47
Band F	13/9	£2,765.02 × 13/9	£3,993.92
Band G	15/9	£2,765.02 × 15/9	£4,608.37
Band H	18/9	£2,765.02 × 18/9	£5,530.04

Contact Dorset Council

For billing enquiries, payment arrangements, discounts, or to report a change in your circumstances, contact Dorset Council directly.

Dorset Council council tax page

Source: Dorset Council 2026/27 council tax schedule, published April 2026. Retrieved April 2026.

Dorset Council Tax: Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Band D council tax in Dorset for 2026/27?

Band D council tax in Dorset is £2,765.02 for 2026/27, up from £2,630.30 in 2025/26 (a 5.1% increase). This is the headline reference rate; all other bands are calculated as fixed fractions of Band D.

What are all eight council tax bands in Dorset?

Dorset has eight council tax bands (A to H) for 2026/27: Band A £1,843.35, Band B £2,150.57, Band C £2,457.80, Band D £2,765.02, Band E £3,379.47, Band F £3,993.92, Band G £4,608.37, Band H £5,530.04. Every band is a fixed fraction of the Band D rate of £2,765.02. The full rate table with monthly figures is on this page.

How much did council tax rise in Dorset this year?

Dorset raised Band D council tax by £134.72 for 2026/27, a 5.1% increase versus 2025/26. This is at or near the maximum permitted increase under the government's referendum principle.

When do I pay council tax to Dorset?

Council tax is typically paid in 10 monthly instalments from April to January, though most councils including Dorset offer a 12-month payment option on request. Direct debit, online payment, and standing order are usually available. Contact Dorset Council directly to set up or change a payment plan.

What discounts are available on council tax in Dorset?

Standard discounts include the 25% single-person discount (one adult living alone or with under-18s), full exemption for student households, and discounts for properties left empty or undergoing major repair. Dorset also operates a Council Tax Support scheme for low-income households. Apply via the council's website.

How do I check my council tax band in Dorset?

Your property's official council tax band is set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Look it up free at gov.uk/check-council-tax-band, or check your most recent council tax bill from Dorset Council. If you believe the band is wrong you can challenge it with the VOA.

Independent information. Not affiliated with the Valuation Office Agency, any local authority, or Scottish Assessors. Rate data is compiled from published 2026/27 council tax schedules. Not legal or financial advice. Contact your local authority for billing queries.

Updated April 2026. Rates for 2026/27. 2027/28 rates to be published by Dorset Council in early 2027.

Last verified 5 May 2026 · Sourced from Individual council websites, GOV.UK, ONS, and the Valuation Office Agency

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