Council Tax is one of those things most people don’t think about—until a bill looks higher than expected, a Direct Debit fails in April, or a reminder letter lands out of nowhere. If you live in the London Borough of Merton, understanding how Merton Council Tax actually works can save you money, time, and stress.
This guide pulls together what residents usually have to piece together from multiple sources: Merton Council pages, Gov.uk guidance, and valuation rules set nationally. Instead of bouncing between portals, you’ll find clear, practical answers here—from Council Tax bands and 2025–2026 rates, to how to pay, what happens if you miss a payment, and whether you qualify for a reduction.
It’s written for residents, not policy specialists. And it reflects how Council Tax works in practice, not just in theory.
What Is Merton Council Tax?
Merton Council Tax is a local tax charged by the London Borough of Merton on domestic properties. The amount you pay depends on:
- Your property’s valuation band
- Your household circumstances (discounts, exemptions, or support)
- The annual rate set by Merton Council, alongside London-wide charges
Council Tax funds local services such as waste collection, adult social care, roads, libraries, and emergency services. While the system follows national rules, the amount you pay in Merton is set locally each year.
Who Sets Merton Council Tax — and What You’re Actually Paying For
This is where many residents feel confused, especially when bills rise.
Your Council Tax bill is made up of several parts:
- Merton Council – funds borough services such as housing support, social care, waste, and local infrastructure
- Greater London Authority (GLA) – funds London-wide services, including transport, policing, and fire services
- National valuation rules – property bands are set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) under national Council Tax legislation
So when your bill increases, it’s not always because one local service changed. In many cases, it reflects:
- Inflationary pressure on councils
- Increased demand for adult social care
- London-wide funding decisions
This is usually where people realise their bill isn’t actually “wrong”—it’s just misunderstood.
Merton Council Tax Bands & Rates (2025–2026)
Council Tax in Merton is calculated using eight valuation bands (A–H). These bands are based on estimated property values as of 1 April 1991, under national VOA rules.
According to Merton Council’s 2025/26 budget, Council Tax increased by an average of 4.8%, including the GLA precept.
Annual Charges for 2025/26
For most residents, the following rates apply.
If you live within three-quarters of a mile of Wimbledon Common, you also pay a Wimbledon and Putney Commons Area (WPCC) levy (around £40 extra for Band D).
| Band | Property Value (1991) | Annual Charge | With WPCC Levy |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | £1,392.29 | £1,419.02 |
| B | £40,001 – £52,000 | £1,624.34 | £1,655.53 |
| C | £52,001 – £68,000 | £1,856.38 | £1,892.02 |
| D | £68,001 – £88,000 | £2,088.43 | £2,128.53 |
| E | £88,001 – £120,000 | £2,552.52 | £2,601.53 |
| F | £120,001 – £160,000 | £3,016.62 | £3,074.55 |
| G | £160,001 – £320,000 | £3,480.72 | £3,547.55 |
| H | Over £320,001 | £4,176.86 | £4,257.06 |
2026/27 outlook:
Merton Council’s planning assumes continued cost pressure. Final rates for April 2026 onward are normally confirmed in late February.
How Much Will I Pay in Practice?
Your final Council Tax bill is worked out in three steps:
- Your valuation band sets the base amount
- Discounts or reductions are applied if you qualify
- The bill is issued each April, with instalments recalculated automatically
This is why two households in the same band may pay different amounts.
Also Read: Council Tax Changing Name Made Simple (Step-by-Step)
How to Pay & Manage Your Merton Council Tax Account
Merton Council Tax login
The My Tax and Benefits portal is the central place to manage your Merton Council Tax account.
You can:
- View your bill and balance
- Set up or change Direct Debit
- Make a one-off Council Tax Merton payment
- Report changes such as moving home
You’ll need:
- Your 10-digit Council Tax reference number
- Your postcode
Payment methods
Direct Debit (most common)
Usually taken on the 1st of the month. You can choose monthly instalments if you keep payments up to date.
Online card payment
Suitable for one-off payments or clearing balances.
Telephone payments
Automated card payments are available 24/7.
Real-world note:
April is when problems usually start. Instalments often increase at the new financial year, and a failed Direct Debit can trigger reminders surprisingly quickly.
Moving Home in or out of Merton
If you move, you must tell the council—even if you stay within Merton.
Home Moving Checklist
Moving out
Moving in
- Register at your new address
- Set up a new payment plan
If you receive Council Tax Support, you must make a new claim after moving. It does not transfer automatically.
Discounts, Reductions & Exemptions (2026)
Under national Council Tax rules and Merton’s local scheme, you may qualify for:
Single Person Discount
A 25% reduction if only one adult lives in the property.
Council Tax Support (CTS)
For low-income households, CTS can reduce your bill—sometimes substantially.
As outlined in Gov.uk guidance, eligibility depends on income, savings, and benefits, not age alone.
Empty Property & Second Home Premiums
From April 2025:
- Homes that are empty for one year or more may incur a 100% premium
- Second homes may also attract a 100% charge
Severe Mental Impairment (SMI) Exemption
People with conditions such as advanced dementia or Parkinson’s may be disregarded or exempt, depending on household circumstances.
What Happens If You Miss a Council Tax Payment in Merton?
If you miss a payment, Merton Council generally follows this sequence:
- A reminder notice is issued
- Instalment rights may be cancelled
- The full annual balance becomes payable
- Continued non-payment can lead to court action and enforcement costs
In 2026, enforcement timelines are faster than many residents expect. Early contact makes a real difference.
Also Read: Garden Shed Council Tax 2026: What Triggers It and What Doesn’t
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
- Assuming discounts apply automatically
- Forgetting April instalments usually increases
- Not reporting a move immediately
- Challenging a band without checkingthe VOA rules first
If you’re struggling, contact the council before enforcement begins. Once a summons is issued, options narrow quickly.
How to Verify Your Council Tax Information Safely
To avoid mistakes or scams:
- Only trust official Merton Council communications
- Be cautious with payment links in emails or texts
- Always verify balances through your Merton Council Tax account or your latest bill
If something looks off, check it before paying.
FAQs
Q. How much is Band C Council Tax in Merton for 2025–2026?
For the 2025–2026 financial year, Band C Council Tax in Merton is £1,856.38 per year.
If your property falls within the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Area, the charge is £1,892.02, which includes the WPCC levy.
Q. How much is Merton Council Tax in 2026?
The 2026–2027 Merton Council Tax rates are confirmed by the council in late February 2026 and apply from April 2026. The final amount depends on your property band and any discounts or reductions you qualify for.
Q. Do over-60s get Council Tax reduction in Merton?
No. Age alone does not qualify you for a Council Tax reduction in Merton. Eligibility is based on income, savings, and benefits, usually through the Council Tax Support scheme.
Q. What is more expensive, Council Tax Band B or Band C?
Council Tax Band C is more expensive than Band B.
Each band pays a fixed percentage more than the band below it, using Band D as the standard reference.
Q. Can I pay Merton Council Tax monthly?
Yes. Most Merton households pay Council Tax by monthly instalments, typically spread over 10 or 12 months, usually by Direct Debit. Instalments are recalculated each April.
Q. How do I contact Merton Council about Council Tax?
For Council Tax queries, use the contact details shown on your Council Tax bill or the official Merton Council website. This ensures your enquiry is routed to the correct team and avoids delays.
Final Thoughts
Merton Council Tax isn’t complicated—but it is unforgiving if ignored. Understanding who sets it, how it’s calculated, and what to do when circumstances change puts you firmly in control.
If you do one thing today, log into your Merton Council Tax account and check your details. Most problems start small—and are easiest to fix early.
Related: What Months Do You Not Pay Council Tax? UK 2026 Guide
