As new independent research confirms that Ipswich is the highest charging shire district in England, James Cartlidge MP warns that local Government reorganisation could see Council Tax surge for some Suffolk communities.
According to the independent and highly respected House of Commons Library:
- Based on the level of tax set on a Band D property, Ipswich is the highest charging shire district in England.
- Currently, Ipswich Borough Council charge £419.58 on a Band D property in 2025/26.
- Excluding parish precepts; this is higher than any other shire district council, the next closest is Preston, at £364.45.
- Babergh currently charge £193.73 on a Band D property in 2025/26.
- Statistics from Gov.uk: Table 8, Tab 8c: 2025 to 2026 Council tax (average Band D), percent change and amount change on 2024 to 2025: shire districts https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/council-tax-levels-set-by-local-authorities-in-england-2025-to-2026
James Cartlidge MP says: “The creation of a unitary authority in Suffolk – whatever form that takes – raises a huge question about Council Tax. These figures from the House of Commons Library confirm that Ipswich is one of the highest charging councils in England, charging the highest council tax of shire districts.
"At present, my constituents in Babergh are paying around £20 per month less than in Ipswich, and whilst that doesn’t include parish precepts, parish precept will still be payable whatever happens. The question is what happens to Council Tax for districts outside Ipswich when the new council structure is created. Will Council Tax be increased towards the Ipswich level or lowered to the level of other districts? If ‘equalisation’ happens towards Ipswich levels, this could see a surge in bills for my residents.
"In my view, it underlines why we need the unitary approach to save sufficient money to minimise pressure on Council Tax. Above all, as I’ve always said, it shows why the savings from any change to local Government must be kept in Suffolk and not simply handed over to Rachel Reeves, or the new Norfolk/Suffolk Mayor”.
