James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, has today warned of new evidence which shows the Government is deliberately covering up serious problems over the banding of homes for council tax.
Official papers from the council tax inspectors’ Valuation Office have admitted that many homes across the country are in the wrong band for council tax and could mean some families have been paying far more than they needed to. Accidentally leaked minutes have confessed that if the tax errors became known, the Government would lose money through paying out tax refunds.
New figures have shown that in the last three years, 190,000 existing homes have had their council tax band changed. Of these, 133,985 homes – 70% - have been moved down a tax band. In Rochford, 136 homes have been moved down a band as a result of appeals. In Southend, the number is even greater with 205 homes having their council tax payments reduced.
James said:
“We now have clear evidence of a council tax cover-up by the Government. Hundreds of families in Rochford and Southend have been paying over the odds for their council tax for years. The Government knew of the tax inspectors’ errors but refused to take any action because they’re trying to save face.”
“It is hypocritical of the Government to say that on the one hand they are trying to do everything they can to help people through this recession, yet on the other hand not taking an easy step to reduce the outgoings for some families.”
If any constituents would like to check their council tax banding and see if they can appeal, they can do so through the following link: www.moneysavingexpert.com/council-tax
12 June 2009