Jonathan Brash, Hartlepool’s MP, emphasized, "Just the idea that somebody sitting in a two-bedroom house in Hartlepool is paying more council tax than somebody living in a mansion is just offensive." He criticized the council tax system, calling it an issue that no party dares to address due to fear of electoral backlash. This situation illustrates a stark disparity in tax burdens based on property values, making the current council tax system feel unjust and inequitable.
Brash pointed out, "People who live in a Band H property in Hartlepool pay 4,755 a year in council tax. For the same band in Westminster, the figure is 1,946.32." This juxtaposition highlights the significant inequalities where residents of less expensive areas are disproportionately taxed compared to those in affluent regions, despite the vast differences in property values.
David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies noted, "Properties have not been revalued for council tax purposes since 1991… Since then, house prices have risen sevenfold in London, and less than fourfold in the north-east." This lack of reevaluation has rendered the council tax system regressive and outdated, failing to reflect current market realities.
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