Homes with view set for higher tax
Press Association
Sunday November 6, 2005 7:33 PM
Homeowners who have a nice view or live next to a golf course could pay more in council tax as part of a revaluation of properties, it has been reported.
Higher taxes could be introduced after a revaluation of council tax on each property in England, which will take into account increases or decreases in property values since the last valuation in 1991.
The proposed taxes will apply to homes if they are in conservation areas, next to an open space, have a swimming pool or tennis court or have full or partial views of the sea, hills, mountains, lakes or rivers, according to the Sunday Express and Sunday Telegraph.
It had been intended to revalue every home in England in 2007 in order to update council tax banding systems, following a similar exercise in Wales.
But the revaluation was postponed in September, amid claims that it would lead to soaring bills. It is now not expected to take place until 2010 at least.
The Valuation Office Agency, which carries out revaluations, would only say: "The banding for council tax is based on market value which takes account of a number of factors.
"Specific things like a sea view will only have a bearing if they have a significant influence on the overall value of the property."
A spokeswoman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the revaluation was on hold.
She said: "The number of properties moving bands would have depended on the Government's decision about the banding structure that would have accompanied revaluation. And we made no such decision. Preparatory work for a revaluation in 2007 has been stood down, but the Valuation Office Agency's good work will provide a firm foundation on which to build in future."
Newspaper reports said extra charges were also expected for homes with more bedrooms than average, conservatories, large patios or gardens, roof terraces or balconies.
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Owning house has never been better
Press Association
Sunday November 6, 2005 7:33 PM
Homeowners who have a nice view or live next to a golf course could pay more in council tax as part of a revaluation of properties, it has been reported.
Higher taxes could be introduced after a revaluation of council tax on each property in England, which will take into account increases or decreases in property values since the last valuation in 1991.
The proposed taxes will apply to homes if they are in conservation areas, next to an open space, have a swimming pool or tennis court or have full or partial views of the sea, hills, mountains, lakes or rivers, according to the Sunday Express and Sunday Telegraph.
It had been intended to revalue every home in England in 2007 in order to update council tax banding systems, following a similar exercise in Wales.
But the revaluation was postponed in September, amid claims that it would lead to soaring bills. It is now not expected to take place until 2010 at least.
The Valuation Office Agency, which carries out revaluations, would only say: "The banding for council tax is based on market value which takes account of a number of factors.
"Specific things like a sea view will only have a bearing if they have a significant influence on the overall value of the property."
A spokeswoman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the revaluation was on hold.
She said: "The number of properties moving bands would have depended on the Government's decision about the banding structure that would have accompanied revaluation. And we made no such decision. Preparatory work for a revaluation in 2007 has been stood down, but the Valuation Office Agency's good work will provide a firm foundation on which to build in future."
Newspaper reports said extra charges were also expected for homes with more bedrooms than average, conservatories, large patios or gardens, roof terraces or balconies.
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Owning house has never been better
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