West Lothian council tax 2026/27
West Lothian charges £1,627.59 for Band D in 2026/27, after a 7.4% rise. That is just £1.54 more than Edinburgh.
- Up 7.4% on 2025/26
- 11th lowest of 32 councils with 2026/27 figures
- With water and waste water: £2,279.91
West Lothian council tax charges by band
Council tax plus Scottish Water's water and waste water charges, before any discount.
| Band | Council tax | Water and waste water | Total a year | 10 payments | 12 payments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band Aup to £27,000 in 1991 | £1,085.06 | £434.88 | £1,519.94 | £151.99 | £126.66 |
| Band B£27,001 to £35,000 in 1991 | £1,265.90 | £507.36 | £1,773.26 | £177.33 | £147.77 |
| Band C£35,001 to £45,000 in 1991 | £1,446.75 | £579.84 | £2,026.59 | £202.66 | £168.88 |
| Band D£45,001 to £58,000 in 1991 | £1,627.59 | £652.32 | £2,279.91 | £227.99 | £189.99 |
| Band E£58,001 to £80,000 in 1991 | £2,138.47 | £797.28 | £2,935.75 | £293.58 | £244.65 |
| Band F£80,001 to £106,000 in 1991 | £2,644.83 | £942.24 | £3,587.07 | £358.71 | £298.92 |
| Band G£106,001 to £212,000 in 1991 | £3,187.36 | £1,087.20 | £4,274.56 | £427.46 | £356.21 |
| Band Hover £212,000 in 1991 | £3,987.60 | £1,304.64 | £5,292.24 | £529.22 | £441.02 |
Band D in West Lothian compared with the lowest, the average and the highest council
Council tax £1,627.59 plus water and waste water £652.32 a year.
West Lothian Council announced a 7.4% council tax rise for 2026/27. Band D went from £1,515.45 to £1,627.59.
That is about £26 below the Scottish average of £1,653. Among Scotland's 32 councils, West Lothian ranks 11th lowest.
Almost level with Edinburgh
West Lothian and Edinburgh are separated by £1.54 a year at Band D. Edinburgh's rate is £1,626.05.
Falkirk charges £87.50 more than West Lothian. North Lanarkshire is cheaper by £73.03, South Lanarkshire by £159.12. West Lothian's 7.4% rise was well above Edinburgh's 4%.
Band D in total, with water
A Band D home pays £1,627.59 in council tax plus £652.32 for water and waste water. The total for 2026/27 is £2,279.91.
That works out at £227.99 a month over 10 instalments, April to January.
Band E over 12 months
Band E costs £2,138.47 in council tax this year. On a 12-month plan the council tax alone is £178.21 a month, or £213.85 over 10. A lone adult in Band E pays £1,603.85.
Second homes in West Lothian
The 2026/27 council tax booklet says second homes are charged twice the full council tax for their band.
Pay council tax in West Lothian
The council has a council tax payments page, and Direct Debit is available. Spread over 12 instalments, Band D council tax is £135.63 a month. Those living alone get 25% off council tax and water charges alike. Let the council know about changes in your household or address.
Council Tax Reduction is open to lower-income households. Those who get it may also see up to 35% off water and waste water charges.
Quick answers
- What does Band D cost in West Lothian this year?
£1,627.59, or £2,279.91 once Scottish Water's charge is added.
- Is West Lothian council tax higher than Edinburgh?
Yes, but only by £1.54 a year at Band D.
- What was the West Lothian council tax rise for 2026/27?
By 7.4% for 2026/27, adding £112.14 at Band D.
- What do second homes pay in West Lothian?
Second homes are charged twice the full council tax for their band.