Croydon Council Tax Rates 2025/26: Complete Guide & Band Costs

Council tax in the London Borough of Croydon is a mandatory local charge that funds essential infrastructure, emergency services, and community support programs. Whether you are a new resident moving into the borough or a long-term homeowner, understanding your financial liability is crucial for effective household budgeting. This comprehensive guide provides an exhaustive breakdown of the current rates for 2025/26, explores the underlying valuation bands, and details the various support schemes available to those facing financial hardship.

In this article, we will examine the specific costs associated with each property band, the legislative framework governing these charges, and the strategic allocation of funds toward social care and education. By the end of this guide, you will have a deep authoritative understanding of how Croydon Council calculates your bill and the steps you can take to ensure you are paying the correct amount.

Croydon Council Tax Rates 2025/26

For the current financial year starting April 2025, Croydon has implemented a tiered pricing structure based on eight property bands. These figures represent the total bill, including the core Croydon services, the Adult Social Care precept, and the Mayor of London’s GLA requirement.

Understanding the 4.80% Increase

The decision to increase the tax by 4.80% was ratified in February 2025 to address significant budget deficits and rising service demands. This increase is split between a 2.99% rise in core funding and a 2% levy dedicated specifically to supporting vulnerable adults in the borough.

Valuation Office Agency (VOA) Bands

The amount you pay is determined by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which assigns every domestic property a band based on its market value as of April 1, 1991. Even if your property was built recently, it is valued based on what it would have been worth in 1991 prices.

How Bands Are Calculated

Valuation bands reflect the size, layout, character, and location of a dwelling. It is important to note that a property’s current market value in 2026 does not dictate its band; rather, the historical 1991 baseline remains the standard for the entire United Kingdom (excluding Wales).

Challenging Your Property Band

If you believe your property is in the wrong band, perhaps due to a previous structural change or an error in the original valuation, you can submit a challenge to the VOA. Residents often seek a downgrade if neighboring identical properties are in a lower band, which can lead to significant annual savings.

Adult Social Care Precept Details

The Adult Social Care precept is a specific portion of your council tax bill that local authorities are permitted to charge above the standard referendum limit. This ring-fenced fund is used exclusively to support the borough’s aging population and residents with complex physical or mental disabilities.

Why the Precept Exists

As the population of Croydon grows and life expectancy increases, the cost of providing home care and residential support has surged. The 2% levy in 2025/26 ensures that the council can continue to meet its statutory obligations under the Care Act 2014.

Transparency in Spending

The council is legally required to show the precept as a separate line item on your bill. This transparency allows taxpayers to see exactly how much of their contribution is being directed toward the borough’s most vulnerable residents.

Greater London Authority (GLA) Precept

A portion of your Croydon council tax does not stay within the borough; instead, it is collected on behalf of the Mayor of London to fund city-wide services. This is known as the GLA precept and covers vital services that operate across all 32 London boroughs.

Funding the Metropolitan Police

A major component of the GLA precept is allocated to the Metropolitan Police Service to maintain public safety and combat crime across the capital. This funding supports officer recruitment, specialized units, and community policing initiatives in Croydon.

Transport and Fire Services

The precept also contributes to Transport for London (TfL) and the London Fire Brigade. While Croydon has its own localized needs, these regional services provide the backbone of the city’s infrastructure and emergency response capabilities.

Single Person Occupancy Discounts

If you are the only adult living in a property as your main home, you are entitled to a 25% discount on your council tax bill. This “sole occupier” discount is one of the most common ways residents reduce their annual liability.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, the property must be your sole or main residence, and no other person over the age of 18 can live there. Some adults are “disregarded” for council tax purposes, meaning you might still get the discount even if you live with someone else (e.g., a full-time student).+1

Applying for the Discount

Applications can be completed through the Croydon Council website’s “My Account” portal. You will need to provide your account reference number and confirm the date from which you became the sole occupant.

Student Exemptions and Reductions

Full-time students are generally exempt from paying council tax, meaning a household where every resident is a full-time student pays nothing. This provides essential financial relief for those studying at institutions like Croydon College or commuting to London universities.

Defining a Full-Time Student

To be considered a full-time student, your course must last at least one academic year and involve at least 21 hours of study per week. You will usually need to provide a student certificate from your university as proof of status.

Mixed Households

If a household contains both students and non-students, the property is not exempt, but a discount may still apply. For example, if one adult is a student and the other is not, the student is disregarded, and the remaining adult can claim the 25% single-person discount.

Disability Reduction Scheme

The Disability Reduction Scheme is designed to ensure that people with disabilities do not pay more council tax because they live in a larger property than they would otherwise need. If your home has been adapted to meet the needs of a resident with a disability, you may be eligible for a band reduction.

Qualifying Home Adaptations

To qualify, your home must have specific features, such as an extra bathroom or kitchen for the person with the disability, or enough space for the use of a wheelchair indoors. The property is essentially “charged” at the rate of the band immediately below its actual valuation.

Band A Properties

Since there is no band lower than Band A, residents in this category receive a reduction equal to one-ninth of the Band D rate. This ensures that even those in the lowest-valued properties receive equitable support.

Council Tax Support for Low Income

Croydon offers a Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme for residents who are on a low income or claiming certain benefits like Universal Credit. This can reduce your bill by up to 100% depending on your specific financial circumstances.

Means-Tested Assessment

The amount of support you receive is based on your household income, savings, and the number of dependents living with you. The council reviews these applications annually to ensure that aid is directed to those who need it most during the cost-of-living crisis.

Hardship Fund 2025/26

In addition to standard support, Croydon has established a specific Hardship Fund for 2025/26. This fund provides additional one-off reductions for residents who can demonstrate that the recent tax increase has caused them severe financial distress.

Paying Your Croydon Council Tax

Croydon Council provides several flexible payment methods to help residents manage their bills. Most people choose to pay in 10 monthly installments from April to January, though you can request to spread the cost over 12 months.

Direct Debit Benefits

Setting up a Direct Debit is the most efficient way to pay, as it ensures you never miss a deadline. You can choose from four different payment dates (1st, 5th, 15th, or 25th of the month) to align with your payday.

Online and Telephone Payments

For those who prefer not to use Direct Debit, payments can be made 24/7 via the Croydon Council website or through an automated telephone line. You will need your 10-digit council tax account number to complete the transaction.

Managing Your Account Online

The “My Account” portal is the central hub for managing all your interactions with Croydon Council. By registering, you can switch to paperless billing, which is more environmentally friendly and reduces the council’s administrative costs.

Viewing Your Balance

Through the portal, you can view your current balance, see a history of your past payments, and download copies of your previous bills. This is particularly useful for residents who need to provide proof of address for official applications.

Reporting Changes of Circumstances

If you move house, have a child reach the age of 18, or someone moves out of your home, you must report these changes immediately. Failure to update the council can lead to incorrect billing and potential backdated charges.

Empty Property Premiums

To encourage homeowners to bring empty dwellings back into use, Croydon Council applies a premium to properties that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for a significant period. This is part of a broader strategy to tackle the housing shortage in South London.

The 100% Premium

Properties that have been empty for more than one year are subject to a 100% premium, effectively doubling the council tax bill. As of 2025/26, the council has tightened these rules to ensure that long-term empty homes contribute more to the local economy.

Exceptional Circumstances

Some properties are exempt from the empty home premium, such as those undergoing major structural repairs or homes left empty by someone who has moved into a care home. You must apply for these exemptions specifically to avoid the additional charges.

Legal Consequences of Non-Payment

Council tax is a legal debt, and Croydon Council has a statutory duty to collect it. If you miss a payment, the council will follow a strict recovery process that can lead to court action and additional costs.

Reminders and Final Notices

The process begins with a reminder notice. If the debt is not cleared, a final notice is issued, which cancels your right to pay by installments and makes the entire year’s balance due immediately.

Liability Orders and Enforcement

If the debt remains unpaid, the council will apply to the Magistrates’ Court for a liability order. This allows them to take further action, such as deducting money directly from your wages (Attachment of Earnings) or employing enforcement agents (bailiffs) to seize goods.

History of Croydon’s Financial Status

To understand the current tax rates, one must look at Croydon’s unique financial history over the past few years. The borough has faced several Section 114 notices, essentially declaring itself unable to balance its budget without government intervention.

Government Capitalisation Directions

Because of its high debt levels, the UK government has granted Croydon “Capitalisation Directions.” This allows the council to treat day-to-day spending as capital expenditure, helping them to stabilize their finances over a multi-year period.

Impact on Taxpayers

While the council is working toward financial sustainability, the burden has partially fallen on taxpayers through higher-than-average annual increases. The 2025/26 rates are a reflection of the ongoing effort to “fix the finances” while maintaining essential services.

Comparison with Other London Boroughs

Croydon’s council tax rates are often compared with neighboring boroughs like Bromley, Lambeth, and Sutton. Historically, Croydon has had some of the highest Band D rates in Greater London due to its complex social needs and previous financial mismanagement.

Why Rates Vary

Differences in council tax rates between boroughs are driven by the local tax base, the amount of central government funding received, and the specific demographic needs of the area. Boroughs with more Band H properties can often keep their Band D rates lower.

Value for Money

Residents often evaluate these rates based on the quality of services provided. In Croydon, the council is focusing on improving “clean and green” initiatives and safety, aiming to provide better value for the higher tax contributions required from residents.

Practical Information and Planning

Contact Details

• Website: www.croydon.gov.uk/council-tax
• Email: croyctax@croydon.gov.uk
• Telephone (General): 020 8726 7000 (Option 2)
• Payment Line: 0345 300 0614 (Option 3)

Visiting the Council

While most services are now online, the main administrative office is located at:

• Address: Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon, CR0 1EA.
• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Appointmets may be required).

Key Dates for 2025/26

• March 2025: Annual bills sent to all households.
• April 1, 2025: New financial year and rates begin.
• January 2026: Final installment for those on the 10-month plan.
• March 31, 2026: End of the 2025/26 tax year.

Tips for Residents

1. Switch to 12 months: If your monthly payments are too high, contact the council to spread them over 12 months instead of 10.
2. Check for Discounts: Ensure you aren’t paying the full rate if you live alone or have a disability.
3. Claim Early: Council tax support is rarely backdated, so apply the moment your income drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Band D council tax in Croydon for 2025/26? The total Band D council tax for Croydon in 2025/26 is £2,480.48. This includes the core council services, the social care precept, and the Greater London Authority charge.+1

When does the new council tax year start? The council tax year runs from April 1st to March 31st of the following year. New rates for 2025/26 come into effect on April 1, 2025.

Can I get a discount if I live alone in Croydon? Yes, single occupants are entitled to a 25% discount on their total bill.You can apply for this via the Croydon Council website.

What is the Adult Social Care precept? It is a portion of your council tax specifically used to fund services for elderly and disabled residents. For 2025/26, this was increased by 2% in Croydon.

Is there a student discount for council tax in Croydon? Full-time students are usually exempt from council tax. If a house is occupied entirely by full-time students, the bill is £0.

How do I pay my Croydon council tax? The most common way is by Direct Debit. Other options include online payments through the council portal, phone payments, or at a Post Office using a barcoded bill.

What happens if I miss a council tax payment? The council will send a reminder. If you still don’t pay, you may lose the right to pay in installments and could eventually face court action or bailiffs.

Can I appeal my property’s council tax band? Yes, you can challenge your band through the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) if you believe it was incorrectly valued in 1991.

How much has Croydon council tax increased this year? For the 2025/26 period, the total increase is 4.80%. This is composed of 2.99% for general services and 2% for social care, with adjustments for the GLA precept.+1

Does Croydon offer a hardship scheme? Yes, the Croydon Council Tax Hardship Scheme provides extra support for residents on very low incomes who cannot meet their payment obligations.

What is the “My Account” portal? It is Croydon Council’s online service where you can manage your council tax, check your balance, and update your personal details.

Are there premiums for empty homes in Croydon? Yes, homes left empty for over a year face a 100% premium, doubling the standard council tax rate to encourage occupancy.

Who is exempt from paying council tax? Exemptions apply to full-time students, severely mentally impaired individuals, and certain types of unoccupied properties like those of people in care.

What is the GLA precept used for? The Greater London Authority precept funds city-wide services including the Metropolitan Police, the London Fire Brigade, and Transport for London.

How is council tax calculated for new builds? New properties are valued by the VOA based on what their market value would have been on April 1, 1991, to ensure consistency across the borough.