18/07/05 - Halifax Warn Of Further Council Tax Hikes

Council Tax Bills Likely To Leap

Swindon residents could be hit by a sharp increase in council tax, according to a new study.

The report by mortgage lender Halifax says households in the South West of the country are most likely to move up a council tax band when homes are re-valued.

The research assumes that the government will increase the tax bands ­ based on the value of homes ­ in line with the average 186 per cent rise in house prices since the bands were set in 1991.

So areas where house prices have risen by more than the average ­ like the South West ­ are more likely to see homes move up a band.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson, "As we have seen in Wales where houses were revalued last year, Council Tax bills leapt over night.  This is yet another unacceptable stealth tax hike, from this wasteful Government.  Swindon local tax payers have suffered enough under Labour."