10/11/2006 - NEW HOUSE PRICE TAX: NORTHERN IRELAND FIRST; NOW SCOTLAND; ENGLAND NEXT ?

Home owners throughout Poole face the prospect of having to pay a massive new domestic tax levy, based on Government schemes set to be introduced in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Local Conservative MP for Poole Robert Syms has warned that the Government is planning to exploit the explosion in house prices by introducing a "house price tax" which could result in residents paying twice the sums charged under the current council tax system - leaving average households saddled with a £2,635 bill each year based on the average priced property in Poole.

With legislation already forced through the House of Lords to impose the house price tax on Northern Ireland, and a review ordered by the LibDem-Labour coalition running Scotland set to recommend the adoption of a similar system north of the border, Robert Syms who is also Shadow Local Government Minister is afraid England is next.

Even more disturbing is that this new tax system requires detailed information about every home. The Government has now pushed new laws through Parliament through an obscure Committee to give the town hall tax inspectors powers in Northern Ireland to barge into local homes. Under ‘Article 38’ of the new law, householders will be forced to let state officials into their homes. In a worrying addition, residents who “fail to give reasonable assistance” or do not collaborate with the inspectors will be fined £1,000 and be recorded on local police and court records. If the householder continues to obstruct, hinder or fail to provide assistance, they can be fined £200 per day on top.

The threat of a new house price tax on Britain's family homes, came a step closer following news that a review into town hall finances in Scotland is about to recommend a 1% house price tax to replace council tax.

Under Gordon Brown's review of town hall finances in England - headed by former Labour Councillor, Sir Michael Lyons - active consideration is being given to the implementation of the scheme in England, where Middle income families will be worst hit.  Homes with 'site positive' features like patios, nice gardens, double-glazing, conservatories, or extensions would pay much more under such a scheme.

Robert Syms MP said “It is clear that Labour are plotting to introduce a house price tax and cynically tap into the rise in property values.  Families and pensioners who have saved and improved their homes face the threat of soaring tax bills, Just because house prices have risen it doesn’t mean that local residents can afford higher local taxes.  Law-abiding, decent people are already struggling to meet the rising cost of mortgages, utility bills and local taxes.  These sinister Lab plans for weighty tax bills are not welcome, neither are the new aggressive state powers to enter family homes.

Promoted by Jonathan Pethen on behalf of Poole Conservatives
both at 38 Sandbanks Road Poole Dorset BH14 8BX Tel: 01202 739922 Fax: 01202 739944