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From April 2026, council tax payments across Wales are set to rise by an average of 4.9%, following the approval of budgets for the upcoming financial year by local councils. The most significant hikes, at 6.5%, will be seen in Conwy and Vale of Glamorgan. Conversely, Neath Port Talbot will experience a comparatively modest increase of 3.5%. Councils have emphasized that decisions around council tax adjustments will reflect their individual local circumstances and priorities, with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) noting that councils have a legal obligation to balance their budgets.
Jodie Davies, a resident of Tonyrefail in Rhondda Cynon Taf, shared her struggles with council tax arrears, which currently amount to £1,200. She highlighted the importance of councils making contact earlier with individuals who have missed payments. Davies, who supports the Taff Ely Foodbank and runs a group for families facing challenges related to addiction, health, and the cost of living, explained that a misunderstanding regarding which bills her benefits covered led to her missing payments. Delayed mail delivery resulted in her receiving some council letters late, leading to court and bailiff threats that caused her significant stress during the Christmas period.
Reflecting on her experience, Davies said, “I ended up being in a lot of trouble Christmas time, money-wise,” adding, “I didn’t think I was going to be able to get stuff for my kids for Christmas.” She described how panic made her withdraw, stating, “I stopped answering the phone, I stopped reading letters.” Eventually, by mid-January, she decided to address the situation and arranged a manageable payment plan. She acknowledged the council’s assistance once she reached out but felt that earlier communication could have prevented much of the anxiety. Rhondda Cynon Taf council confirmed that they are exploring ways to engage residents sooner when payments are missed, including trialing informal text messaging, and reiterated that court action is a last resort, with payment plans and additional support available for those who contact them promptly.
Council tax arrears carry serious consequences, as even missing a single monthly payment can trigger liability for the entire year’s bill. However, from April a new grace period of two months will be introduced, replacing the previous two-week window. This change follows Welsh government reforms requiring councils to intervene earlier with support offers. The Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which benefited over 256,000 households in March 2025, continues to provide assistance to those eligible. Despite these measures, Steffan Evans of the Bevan Foundation criticizes the council tax system as fundamentally unfair, arguing it disproportionately impacts poorer individuals and urging the development of a more income-sensitive and property value-based tax framework. Meanwhile, the WLGA acknowledges that although government funding has improved, councils still face budgetary pressures necessitating difficult decisions to raise revenue and manage finances responsibly
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