Dorset Council Tax 2025/26
Band D rate: £2,459 per year (£246 per month over the standard 10-month Dorset payment cycle).
Quick answer
Council tax in Dorset for 2025/26 is £2,459 a year for a Band D property, about £246 per month over the standard 10-month billing cycle. Band A starts at £1,639, Band H reaches £4,918. That puts Dorset 11% above the England average.
All bands for Dorset
England uses bands A–H based on April 1991 valuations.
| Band | Property value | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | £1,639 | £164 |
| B | £40,001 – £52,000 | £1,913 | £191 |
| C | £52,001 – £68,000 | £2,186 | £219 |
| D | £68,001 – £88,000 | £2,459 | £246 |
| E | £88,001 – £120,000 | £3,005 | £301 |
| F | £120,001 – £160,000 | £3,552 | £355 |
| G | £160,001 – £320,000 | £4,098 | £410 |
| H | Over £320,000 | £4,918 | £492 |
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 Dorset
The following discounts apply across England and Dorset specifically:
- 25% offSingle-person discount. If you live alone, you get 25% off your bill. Apply via Dorset 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. Dorset 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 Dorset compares
Dorset's Band D rate of £2,459 is 11% 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.
Dorset council tax FAQ
How much is council tax in Dorset for 2025/26?▾
Band D council tax in Dorset is £2459 per year for 2025/26. Band A is £1639, Band H is £4918. Most households pay the bill in 10 instalments from April to January.
What is the cheapest council tax band in Dorset?▾
Band A is the lowest, currently £1639 per year in Dorset. It applies to the lowest-valued properties (under £40,000 at 1991 valuations).
Does Dorset offer a single-person discount?▾
Yes. If you live alone in Dorset, you can claim a 25% single-person discount on your council tax. Apply directly via Dorset Council's website with proof you are the only adult resident.
Are full-time students exempt from council tax in Dorset?▾
Yes. A property occupied entirely by full-time students in Dorset is fully exempt from council tax. Mixed households (students plus non-students) get a partial discount instead.
When does Dorset review or change council tax rates?▾
Dorset sets new council tax rates each February or March for the financial year starting that April. The 2025/26 rate of £2459 for Band D took effect on 1 April 2025 and runs to 31 March 2026.
How does Dorset compare to nearby councils?▾
Dorset's Band D rate of £2459 is 11% above the England average. Closest comparable authorities: Surrey (£2453), Wirral (£2479), Kingston upon Thames (£2483).
Looking at Dorset property?
Get an AI-powered report covering council tax band, valuation, flood risk, schools, and 100+ other data points.
Get a Property ReportSources & methodology
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 withDorset Council before relying on these figures for budgeting.