Living near a bus stop or corner shop and even enjoying "peace
and quiet" will lead to a hike in council tax for householders,
under Government plans.
The tax on "nice neighbourhoods" is being planned as
part of the council tax revaluation, with proposals expected within
weeks.
Secret manuals by the Valuation Office Agency, an arm of HM Revenue
and Customs, used in the controversial 2005 council tax revaluation
in Wales, reveal that many homes near shops and public transport,
with pleasant views and in quiet locations were penalised, with
higher council tax bills. There are now plans for the same system
to be rolled out across England.
The handbooks were obtained by the Conservatives using parliamentary
questions to force the Government to publish them for the first
time.
The plan follows revelations in this newspaper that people who
live in areas with good schools, clean streets and low crime rates
face big increases in their council tax bills.
Home owners and tenants will be charged hundreds, and possibly
thousands, of pounds extra if they live in a locality deemed by
ministers and officials to be more desirable than others. The
rises could be as great as four times, sending some bills from
£1,000 to £4,000.
The manual shows that even mobile homes were given higher council
tax bills for being located in a quiet spot or near conveniences.
Inspectors were instructed to take photographs of the homes,
logging the "convenience to local services, such as shops,
bus routes, local communities".
Home improvements and double glazing were taxed, with kitchen
units, bathroom suites and central heating driving up bills.
Sophisticated computer equipment is being used in the revaluation
of all 21 million homes in England, assessing size, features and
location.
Caroline Spelman MP, the shadow local government secretary, said:
"Council tax is literally becoming a tax on a civilised society.
This is the hallmark of an oppressive and greedy government -
finding ever more stealthy ways to tax working families and pensioners."
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