1996 council tax band d was : £803.48
2008 council tax band d was : £1440.84
An increase of £637.36.
Let's assume inflation was a VERY GENEROUS 4% over that time, the figure for 2008 should be : £1286.40, a more realistic 3% gives £1145.57
Alright the figures are from Stockport, but that's because I couldn't be arsed to search for Southampton, but I'll be happy to have it proven that Southampton COuncil tax increases haven't also risen by much much more than inflation....
http://www.stockport.gov.uk/content/councildemoc/council/counciltaxfinance/whatiscounciltax/counciltaxbands?a=5441