Nice view? Off-street parking? That'll cost you

Author: Daily Mail - Jul 27, 2009

Posted in: Local Government Finance / The financial flexibilities needed for economic development / Local Government News

Home owners face paying more council tax simply for enjoying nice views or having a patio or off-street parking.

Officials have secretly assessed more than 11million homes for 'desirable features' as Labour prepares for a revaluation of council tax after a General Election. Ministers admit the Valuation Office Agency is building a huge database of all 23million homes in England.

Critics say the checklist used by inspectors is a manual for bumping up tax on middle-class households by hundreds of pounds a year.

The Tories said last night that documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show in new and alarming detail how residents of good neighbourhoods will be hit hardest.

Home owners with views of any kind, patios, conservatories - even a bus stop nearby - could face rises of up to £600 a year.

Go to the original article here

• "Localis is fast gaining a reputation for pre-empting the localist agenda, producing thought provoking research and practical policy ideas"Anthony Seldon, author and political commentator
• "Localis’ commitment to decentralisation crosses party boundaries, and their research illuminates policy problems with new practical thinking"Prof George Jones, LSE
• "Localis offers a great blend of a passion for innovation, grounded practical ideas and unswerving belief in the possibilities of local governance"Derek Myers, Chief Executive, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

more