Council tax rises are set at a 4.99 per cent threshold nationally. The cap can be increased further if the Government gives local authorities permission or if the rise is approved through a referendum. In 2025/26, the cash-strapped council was allowed to increase its council tax above the threshold by 8.99 per cent. Our 7.5 [per cent increase] is pretty much the equivalent of Reading’s 4.99 [per cent]. “We’re so far behind in council tax – it’s a perfect storm really.

Source: Express February 10, 2026 10:41 UTC