Local councils need increased control over council tax to address the disconnect between service quality and local charges. An inquiry has led to recommendations for devolving interim powers to councils, enabling them to revalue properties, set property bands, and apply discounts. A broader devolution of fiscal powers, including the potential for a tourist tax, has been suggested to alleviate financial pressures on local government stemming from past austerity measures. Support for these changes has been voiced by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
Councils should be granted greater control over council tax, as the disconnect between local charges and service quality undermines local democracy. An inquiry recommended interim powers be devolved to councils.
The Commons Committee's report suggested that councils should be empowered to revalue properties, define property bands, set rates for bands, and apply discounts to improve financial sustainability.
The report also recommended considering broader fiscal power devolution, including a tourist tax, to address the financial strain on local government from austerity measures introduced in the 2010s.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner expressed support for a stronger push towards fiscal devolution, emphasizing the need for greater local government control.
Collection
[
|
...
]