Menu
20/07/2004
Independent inquiry to consider council tax reforms
An independent inquiry is to look at ways of making the council tax system fairer, the government has announced today.
Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said that the inquiry's work would be informed by the Balance of Funding report, which has been submitted to the government.
The report concluded that council tax should stay but should be reformed. It also said that there were strong arguments for shifting the balance of funding towards more local funding - but only if the methods for doing this were desirable and feasible.
The independent inquiry will now make recommendations for the reform of council tax, taking into account the revaluation of homes in 2007. It will also assess the case for giving local authorities more flexibility to raise extra money, and analyse the options for shifting the balance of funding - including local income tax, reform of business rates and other possible local taxes and charges.
Mr Raynsford said: "This subject needs careful examination, not knee-jerk reactions. That is why we now look to the independent inquiry for detailed and impartial advice on how we should take forward the Review's findings."
Sir Michael Lyons will carry out the inquiry and will report to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chancellor by the end of 2005.
(gmcg)
Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said that the inquiry's work would be informed by the Balance of Funding report, which has been submitted to the government.
The report concluded that council tax should stay but should be reformed. It also said that there were strong arguments for shifting the balance of funding towards more local funding - but only if the methods for doing this were desirable and feasible.
The independent inquiry will now make recommendations for the reform of council tax, taking into account the revaluation of homes in 2007. It will also assess the case for giving local authorities more flexibility to raise extra money, and analyse the options for shifting the balance of funding - including local income tax, reform of business rates and other possible local taxes and charges.
Mr Raynsford said: "This subject needs careful examination, not knee-jerk reactions. That is why we now look to the independent inquiry for detailed and impartial advice on how we should take forward the Review's findings."
Sir Michael Lyons will carry out the inquiry and will report to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chancellor by the end of 2005.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 November 2010
Corporation Tax Reform To Create 'Competition'
The Government has published details of its Corporate Tax Reform programme consisting of a series of essential reforms designed to improve the UK's tax competitiveness. Measures include the introduction of new Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules and a commitment to introduce a Patent Box.
Corporation Tax Reform To Create 'Competition'
The Government has published details of its Corporate Tax Reform programme consisting of a series of essential reforms designed to improve the UK's tax competitiveness. Measures include the introduction of new Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules and a commitment to introduce a Patent Box.
17 February 2005
Red Cap families call for public inquiry
The families of six Royal Military Police personnel, killed by an Iraqi mob near Basra on June 24 2003, have today have called for a full public inquiry into the incident.
Red Cap families call for public inquiry
The families of six Royal Military Police personnel, killed by an Iraqi mob near Basra on June 24 2003, have today have called for a full public inquiry into the incident.
21 March 2007
Council tax report recommends changes
People living in the most expensive properties in England should pay more council tax, a report has recommended.
Council tax report recommends changes
People living in the most expensive properties in England should pay more council tax, a report has recommended.
11 January 2005
Campaign launched to improve uptake of council tax benefit
The Government has launched a campaign encouraging pensioners in England, Scotland and Wales to check if they are paying too much council tax. Adverts in the national press carry the message 'cut your council tax – find out if you should be paying less.
Campaign launched to improve uptake of council tax benefit
The Government has launched a campaign encouraging pensioners in England, Scotland and Wales to check if they are paying too much council tax. Adverts in the national press carry the message 'cut your council tax – find out if you should be paying less.
31 March 2005
Lib Dems pledge to scrap 'unfair' council tax
The Liberal Democrats have vowed to scrap the "unfair" council tax, on the 15th anniversary of the poll tax riots. The party said that the council tax should be replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.
Lib Dems pledge to scrap 'unfair' council tax
The Liberal Democrats have vowed to scrap the "unfair" council tax, on the 15th anniversary of the poll tax riots. The party said that the council tax should be replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
