Council Tax level for Stratford-on-Avon District

Stratford-on-Avon District Councillors have set the district element of the Council Tax at a meeting of the Council on Monday 23 February.

The amount residents will be asked to pay for a Band D property is £174.18, an increase of 2.99%, which for an average home represents just an additional 42p per month to the District Council next year.  

This means that all the services provided by the District Council cost £3.35 a week for a Band D household. This contributes to meeting the cost of providing a wide range of services including recycling and waste collection, planning, street cleaning, housing, housing benefits, leisure services and children's play areas.  

The Council Tax from Stratford-on-Avon District Council for residents for 2026/27 for each of the valuation bands is:  

• A        £116.12                        
• B        £135.47                  
• C        £154.83                                            
• D        £174.18
• E         £212.89                
• F         £251.59
• G        £290.30
• H        £348.36

Although the District Council acts as the collecting agent for Council Tax, it only receives 7.0% of the Council Tax paid by residents. Warwickshire County Council receives the lion's share of 76.7%, the Police 12.8% and Towns/Parishes 3.5%.

This means the District Council only retains 7.0p of every £1 paid in Council Tax to provide its range of services.  

Cllr David Curtis, Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: "This budget balances the need to be financially responsible, whilst protecting and improving vital services for our residents.  It offers support for residents across our District; to our most vulnerable and the elderly, for our rural communities, town centres and business community, to young families and the protection of our environment for future generations." 

Cllr Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "Despite financial pressures, the Council has been able to continue to deliver vital services such as economic development, leisure facilities, environmental improvements and waste collections whilst also delivering improved rural crime prevention and continued assistance to residents who are still facing cost-of-living pressures."  

Stratford-on-Avon remains a low-taxing authority, 18th lowest out of 164 district councils across the country in 2025/26. 

Council Tax Resolution 2026/27 - Total Band D Council Tax    

Anyone who thinks they could be struggling to pay their Council Tax is encouraged to contact the District Council as soon as possible by calling 01789 260990 or email revenues@stratford-dc.gov.uk, where the team will be able to advise what help is available.  

Following Full Council approval, provision has been made within the 2026/27 budget to fund the following:  

• Gateway Clearance and Development - £1,500,000 (one-off) Funds site clearance and temporary car parking works to avoid ongoing business rates.
• Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Capacity - £1,000,000 (one-off) Temporary staffing for Legal, Finance and HR to meet increased workload once the LGR timetable is set.
• Housing to Rent - £1,000,000 (one-off) To secure additional social housing units and reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation.
• High Street Pedestrianisation - £326,000 (one-off) Proposed 12?month pedestrianisation scheme (previous 2025/26 pilot unable to proceed).
• Climate Change Fund - £500,000 (one-off) Fifth consecutive year of funding for local climate initiatives.
• Biodiversity Net Gain - £31,000 (ongoing) To meet statutory BNG reporting duties.
• Neighbourhood Development Plans - £100,000 (over 3 years) Supports parish councils to produce up to 10 plans per year.
• South Warwickshire Place Partnership Board - £20,000 (one-off) To deliver local health inequality priorities.
• Upper Lighthorne Parenting Project - £20,000 (one-off) Supports wellbeing work with families and schools.
• VASA Volunteer Driver Scheme - £12,000 (for 3 years) Supports transport for older and mobility-impaired residents.
• Veterans Healthcare and Development Officer - £8,000 (for 2 years) Contribution to veterans support services.
• Communities and Social Inclusion Enabler - £24,000 (2026/27), then £59,000 ongoing Continues work on social exclusion and community cohesion.
• Youth Work Catalyst Project - £41,000 (over 3 years) Supports youth engagement and anti-social behaviour work.
• Cost of Living Crisis Mitigation Fund - £250,000 (one-off) Adds to projected £250,000 rollover to create a £500,000 hardship support fund.
• Shakespeare's England - £25,000 (over 2 years) To continue support until new arrangements are confirmed.
• Extension of Natural Play Cycle Area - £150,000 (one-off) Expands well-used cycle play area.
• Refurbishment of Shottery Fields Play Equipment - £100,000 (one-off) Replaces ageing equipment and improves inclusivity.