Residents of Cambridgeshire will see changes to their Council Tax bills in the upcoming financial year (2025/26), with some areas freezing rates and others approving small increases. Here’s what you need to know about your new Council Tax rate and how it will impact your household budget.
East Cambridgeshire: Council Tax Freeze for the 12th Consecutive Year
Good news for residents in East Cambridgeshire—the district council has announced that it will freeze its portion of Council Tax for the 12th straight year. This means the charge for an average Band D property will remain at £142.14, the same rate since 2013.
The council attributes its ability to keep rates unchanged to strong financial management and a debt-free status. However, there are concerns that a future government plan to merge district and county councils by 2028 could impact the stability of these tax rates. (East Cambridgeshire District Council)
South Cambridgeshire: A Small Council Tax Increase
In South Cambridgeshire, a modest increase in Council Tax has been approved. Residents in a Band D property will see their tax rise by £5 per year, a 3% increase.
The extra revenue will support various council projects, including:
- Investments in digital transformation
- Enhancements to community facilities
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
Despite the rise, South Cambridgeshire remains among the lowest 25% of taxing district councils nationally. (South Cambridgeshire District Council)
Cambridge City Council: Public Consultation for Budget Adjustments
In Cambridge City, the council is actively seeking public input on its budget for the 2025/26 financial year. Local residents are encouraged to share their views on existing services and potential changes to help balance the upcoming budget.
Citizens can participate by providing feedback online, which may influence final decisions on service funding and tax rates. (Cambridge City Council)
Why These Changes Matter
Council Tax funds essential local services, including:
- Waste collection and recycling
- Social care services
- Education and public transport infrastructure
- Police and fire services
While individual district councils set their portion of the tax, the final bill also includes contributions to Cambridgeshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and local fire services. This means that even in areas where the local council has frozen its rate, overall Council Tax bills could still rise due to increases by other authorities.
How to Check Your New Council Tax Bill
Residents can check their updated Council Tax bill by:
- Visiting their local council’s website to view new rates.
- Checking their latest Council Tax statement, which will arrive by post or email.
- Using the UK Government’s Council Tax checker to confirm their band and rates.
Future of Council Tax in Cambridgeshire
There are growing concerns that government reforms could lead to changes in the structure of local taxation. Discussions are underway regarding potential council mergers in Cambridgeshire, which could affect future tax rates and service structures.
Additionally, national policies allowing councils to raise tax levels to prevent financial difficulties could mean steeper increases in the future for some areas. (The Guardian)
Final Thoughts
Cambridgeshire’s Council Tax changes for 2025/26 highlight a mix of rate freezes, small increases, and public consultations. While some residents will see no change in their tax bills, others may experience modest increases to fund local services.
To ensure you’re prepared, check your updated Council Tax statement, stay informed about local budget decisions, and participate in public consultations to voice your concerns.
For further details on your Council Tax and how it impacts you, visit your district council’s website or refer to the official UK Government tax portal.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for SKC News, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin