Council tax in the North East 2026/27
Across the 12 councils in the North East, the middle Band D bill is £2,546.82 for 2026/27. The cheapest is Sunderland at £2,197.14 and the most expensive Gateshead at £2,715.81.
What changed for 2026/27
The biggest rise in the North East was in Northumberland (5.4%), and the smallest in Middlesbrough (2.5%). Most English councils can raise council tax by up to 4.99% a year without a local referendum; a few were allowed more in 2026/27.
Council tax in the North East at a glance
The North East has 12 councils that set council tax: 7 unitary councils, 5 metropolitan districts. 11 of them charge more than the England average Band D of £2,391.52 and 1 charge less. Across 1,296,150 homes, the most common band is A, and 68% of homes are in band A or B. 83% are below Band D, so most households pay less than the Band D figure.
Most bills here are set by a single unitary or metropolitan council, plus police and fire shares. In 10 of the councils, parish or town councils add their own charge, shown on each council's page.
Every council in the North East
| Council | Band D a year | A month (10) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darlington | £2,493.83 | £249.38 | +5.2% |
| Durham | £2,622.15 | £262.22 | +2.8% |
| Gateshead | £2,715.81 | £271.58 | +5.3% |
| Hartlepool | £2,560.20 | £256.02 | +2.5% |
| Middlesbrough | £2,549.16 | £254.92 | +2.5% |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | £2,542.19 | £254.22 | +5.3% |
| North Tyneside | £2,461.77 | £246.18 | +5.4% |
| Northumberland | £2,596.94 | £259.69 | +5.4% |
| Redcar and Cleveland | £2,544.48 | £254.45 | +5.0% |
| South Tyneside | £2,434.43 | £243.44 | +5.3% |
| Stockton-on-Tees | £2,589.83 | £258.98 | +4.9% |
| Sunderland | £2,197.14 | £219.71 | +5.0% |
Questions
Which council has the lowest council tax in the North East?
Sunderland, where Band D is £2,197.14 a year in 2026/27.
Which council has the highest council tax in the North East?
Gateshead, at £2,715.81 for Band D in 2026/27.
What is the most common council tax band in the North East?
Band A: 52% of the 1,296,150 homes. 68% are in band A or B.
Source: Council Tax levels set by local authorities in England 2026 to 2027, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 25 March 2026. Band D including average parish precepts.