A new analysis has identified the areas in England where residents face the highest council tax bills, with Elmbridge, Surrey, topping the list for 2024. The study, conducted by tax specialists at Tax Accountant, examined council tax data from gov.uk, revealing that affluent areas with high property values are paying significantly more for local services.
Elmbridge leads the way with an average council tax of £2,646 per dwelling, followed by Surrey Heath, where residents pay £2,501 on average. Waverley, another Surrey district, ranks third with a rate of £2,488 per home. These areas are among the wealthiest in England, where elevated property values and the demand for enhanced services have driven council tax rates higher.
Council Tax and Affluence
The high council tax rates in these regions are largely attributed to their affluent status. Elmbridge, which includes desirable areas such as Weybridge and Esher, not only has expensive properties but also requires substantial funding to maintain local amenities and services. These include ongoing efforts to revitalise town centres and enhance recycling services.
In Surrey Heath, the second-highest area, residents face an average council tax of £2,501. The local council is investing in flood prevention and improved waste collection systems, initiatives that have contributed to the higher rates.
Waverley, ranked third, is also grappling with high costs for infrastructure projects, particularly in road improvements and sustainable housing development. The area’s wealthy population and expensive homes further push the tax rate to £2,488 per dwelling.
Top 10 Areas with the Highest Council Tax
Further down the list, Mole Valley ranks fourth, with a tax rate of £2,482 per dwelling. The area has committed to new environmental initiatives, such as expanding green spaces and upgrading local leisure facilities.
Tandridge, in fifth place, charges £2,480 per dwelling. The council is currently focused on long-term projects, including affordable housing schemes and modernising waste collection services, which require significant investment.
Richmond-upon-Thames, one of London’s wealthier boroughs, ranks sixth with an average council tax of £2,404. Here, the high property values contribute to the elevated tax rate, which helps fund improvements to high streets and cycling infrastructure.
Wokingham Unitary Authority ranks seventh at £2,396 per dwelling, where investment in new school facilities and social care services for the elderly are key drivers of the tax rate.
The areas of England with the highest council tax rates
| Rank | Authority | Average Council Tax per dwelling 2024 to 2025 (GBP) |
| 1 | Elmbridge | 2,646 |
| 2 | Surrey Heath | 2,501 |
| 3 | Waverley | 2,488 |
| 4 | Mole Valley | 2,482 |
| 5 | Tandridge | 2,480 |
| 6 | Richmond-upon-Thames | 2,404 |
| 7 | Wokingham Unitary Authority | 2,396 |
| 8 | Rutland Unitary Authority | 2,395 |
| 9 | Epsom & Ewell | 2,394 |
| 10 | Reigate & Banstead | 2,379 |
Rutland, the smallest unitary authority in England, comes eighth with a rate of £2,395. The rural nature of the area means higher costs for delivering services over a large geographical area.
Epsom & Ewell, a London borough, ranks ninth, with an average of £2,394 per home. Current projects, such as town centre regeneration and flood resilience, contribute to the higher rates.
Rounding out the top ten is Reigate & Banstead, where council tax averages £2,379. Environmental projects such as tree planting and waste recycling improvements are currently at the forefront of local spending.
Affluent Areas Face High Council Tax Burden
Aatif Malik, Director of Tax Accountant, commented on the findings: “These results show a clear pattern. Areas with higher council tax rates tend to be more affluent, with property values driving the tax base. The need for substantial investment in public services and infrastructure in these regions reflects the expectations of wealthier populations.”
Malik also highlighted the growing financial pressures on councils as they balance service provision with rising costs, particularly in areas with expensive housing markets.
