Bedford Council Tax 2025/26
Band D rate: £2,349 per year (£235 per month over the standard 10-month Bedford payment cycle).
Quick answer
Council tax in Bedford for 2025/26 is £2,349 a year for a Band D property, about £235 per month over the standard 10-month billing cycle. Band A starts at £1,566, Band H reaches £4,698. That puts Bedford 6% above the England average.
All bands for Bedford
England uses bands A–H based on April 1991 valuations.
| Band | Property value | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | £1,566 | £157 |
| B | £40,001 – £52,000 | £1,827 | £183 |
| C | £52,001 – £68,000 | £2,088 | £209 |
| D | £68,001 – £88,000 | £2,349 | £235 |
| E | £88,001 – £120,000 | £2,871 | £287 |
| F | £120,001 – £160,000 | £3,393 | £339 |
| G | £160,001 – £320,000 | £3,915 | £392 |
| H | Over £320,000 | £4,698 | £470 |
Annual rates include police, fire, and parish precepts where applicable. Monthly figures assume the standard 10-month UK billing cycle (April to January). Many councils offer 12-month instalments on request.
Discounts and exemptions in Bedford
The following discounts apply across England and Bedford specifically:
- 25% offSingle-person discount. If you live alone, you get 25% off your bill. Apply via Bedford Council's website.
- 100%Full-time students. A property occupied entirely by full-time students is fully exempt from council tax.
- 100%Severe mental impairment. Households where every adult has a diagnosed severe mental impairment are fully exempt.
- 1 bandDisability reduction. Properties with specific disability adaptations are charged at the rate for one band lower.
- VariesEmpty or unfurnished property. Bedford sets its own discount level (typically 0% to 100% for the first few weeks). Many councils apply a premium after 1 to 5 years of vacancy.
How Bedford compares
Bedford's Band D rate of £2,349 is 6% above the England average (England average: £2,223). The UK as a whole ranges from roughly £1,000 (Westminster) up to over £2,500 (Nottingham, Rutland).
Closest England authorities by rate
Browse all UK councils or check your specific address with our postcode-based council tax checker.
Bedford council tax FAQ
How much is council tax in Bedford for 2025/26?▾
Band D council tax in Bedford is £2349 per year for 2025/26. Band A is £1566, Band H is £4698. Most households pay the bill in 10 instalments from April to January.
What is the cheapest council tax band in Bedford?▾
Band A is the lowest, currently £1566 per year in Bedford. It applies to the lowest-valued properties (under £40,000 at 1991 valuations).
Does Bedford offer a single-person discount?▾
Yes. If you live alone in Bedford, you can claim a 25% single-person discount on your council tax. Apply directly via Bedford Council's website with proof you are the only adult resident.
Are full-time students exempt from council tax in Bedford?▾
Yes. A property occupied entirely by full-time students in Bedford is fully exempt from council tax. Mixed households (students plus non-students) get a partial discount instead.
When does Bedford review or change council tax rates?▾
Bedford sets new council tax rates each February or March for the financial year starting that April. The 2025/26 rate of £2349 for Band D took effect on 1 April 2025 and runs to 31 March 2026.
How does Bedford compare to nearby councils?▾
Bedford's Band D rate of £2349 is 6% above the England average. Closest comparable authorities: Oxford (£2349), Richmond upon Thames (£2349), Buckinghamshire (£2350).
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Band D rates sourced from MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) and individual council publications for the 2025/26 financial year.
Other bands are computed using the statutory band ratios. Final amount on your specific property may differ if you qualify for discounts or if parish precepts vary within the local authority. Always confirm withBedford Council before relying on these figures for budgeting.