East Lothian Council Tax 2025/26
Band D rate: £1,571 per year (£157 per month over the standard 10-month East Lothian payment cycle).
Quick answer
Council tax in East Lothian for 2025/26 is £1,571 a year for a Band D property, about £157 per month over the standard 10-month billing cycle. Band A starts at £1,047, Band H reaches £3,849. That puts East Lothian roughly in line with the Scotland average.
All bands for East Lothian
Scotland uses bands A–H based on April 1991 valuations, with adjusted higher-band ratios since April 2017.
| Band | Property value | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £27,000 | £1,047 | £105 |
| B | £27,001 – £35,000 | £1,222 | £122 |
| C | £35,001 – £45,000 | £1,396 | £140 |
| D | £45,001 – £58,000 | £1,571 | £157 |
| E | £58,001 – £80,000 | £2,064 | £206 |
| F | £80,001 – £106,000 | £2,553 | £255 |
| G | £106,001 – £212,000 | £3,077 | £308 |
| H | Over £212,000 | £3,849 | £385 |
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 East Lothian
The following discounts apply across Scotland and East Lothian specifically:
- 25% offSingle-person discount. If you live alone, you get 25% off your bill. Apply via East Lothian 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. East Lothian 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 East Lothian compares
East Lothian's Band D rate of £1,571 is roughly in line with the Scotland average (Scotland average: £1,565). The UK as a whole ranges from roughly £1,000 (Westminster) up to over £2,500 (Nottingham, Rutland).
Closest Scotland authorities by rate
Browse all UK councils or check your specific address with our postcode-based council tax checker.
East Lothian council tax FAQ
How much is council tax in East Lothian for 2025/26?▾
Band D council tax in East Lothian is £1571 per year for 2025/26. Band A is £1047, Band H is £3849. Most households pay the bill in 10 instalments from April to January.
What is the cheapest council tax band in East Lothian?▾
Band A is the lowest, currently £1047 per year in East Lothian. It applies to the lowest-valued properties (under £40,000 at 1991 valuations).
Does East Lothian offer a single-person discount?▾
Yes. If you live alone in East Lothian, you can claim a 25% single-person discount on your council tax. Apply directly via East Lothian Council's website with proof you are the only adult resident.
Are full-time students exempt from council tax in East Lothian?▾
Yes. A property occupied entirely by full-time students in East Lothian is fully exempt from council tax. Mixed households (students plus non-students) get a partial discount instead.
When does East Lothian review or change council tax rates?▾
East Lothian sets new council tax rates each February or March for the financial year starting that April. The 2025/26 rate of £1571 for Band D took effect on 1 April 2025 and runs to 31 March 2026.
How does East Lothian compare to nearby councils?▾
East Lothian's Band D rate of £1571 is roughly in line with the Scotland average. Closest comparable authorities: North Ayrshire (£1574), Stirling (£1574), Aberdeen City (£1567).
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Band D rates sourced from Revenue Scotland and individual local authority 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 withEast Lothian Council before relying on these figures for budgeting.