Laura Sharman 23 September 2014

Mansion Tax branded ‘political stunt’ by property group

Labour’s proposal for a new ‘Mansion Tax’ has been called a ‘political stunt’ to avoid council tax reform by the British Property Federation (BPF).

BPF said the proposal, due to be announced this afternoon by Ed Miliband, would have ‘minimal’ impact on NHS budgets and any revenue raised would be ‘cancelled out’ by the loss in taxation in other areas.

Ian Fletcher, director of policy at the BPF, said: ‘There is recognition in our industry that council tax on high-end property is low, and with no revaluation since 1991, in desperate need of reform. Instead of responsible reform, however, we get a Mansion Tax, and a political stunt, which has been used before.

‘Raising taxes to save the NHS is a tactic Labour used in the early noughties, when national insurance rates were increased to save the NHS. Labour obviously calculates that associating a policy with the NHS will make it popular, but there is no obvious link and a much better use of any available funds would be to spend them on access to housing, thereby improving peoples’ health outcomes.’

In his keynote speech, Miliband is expected to say a ‘Mansion Tax’ on homes worth more than £2m would raise £1.7bn a year, which would be used to increase spending on the NHS.

The Liberal Democrats have long been calling for the new tax of 1% to be levied on luxury homes.

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker - DBIT (Core) MID

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - DBIT (Core) MIDFixed Term, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This is a part time opportunity for 22.5 hours per week. These hours will cover 3 days including a Thursday and Friday, plus one other day that can England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Markets Team Manager (Strategic Commissioning Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

School Effectiveness Partner

Essex County Council
£62725.0000 - £73793.0000 per annum
School Effectiveness PartnerPermanent, Full Time£62,725 to £73,793 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Officer - Danbury Park Community School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Officer - Danbury Park Community SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner