Councils were partly funded by housing rates for many years. It was generally decided that the rates was an unfair system and a change was necessary.
Just what sort of changes come into force for such costs depends on the government at the time. It was Maggie Thatcher's right wing government which implemented a change creating the now infamous Poll Tax. This tax was to prove a thorn in the Tory party's side and after many protests it was changed again.
The council tax was thought to be fairer overall although again it will depend on your political leanings and your personal circumstances. Each year since its inception the Council Tax, in most regions of the UK, has risen. The UK Coalition government implemented a freeze on Council last year and George Osborne has confirmed this will be maintained next year.
Is this news as good as it sounds on face value and what about the huge cost of £805 million?
Just what sort of changes come into force for such costs depends on the government at the time. It was Maggie Thatcher's right wing government which implemented a change creating the now infamous Poll Tax. This tax was to prove a thorn in the Tory party's side and after many protests it was changed again.
The council tax was thought to be fairer overall although again it will depend on your political leanings and your personal circumstances. Each year since its inception the Council Tax, in most regions of the UK, has risen. The UK Coalition government implemented a freeze on Council last year and George Osborne has confirmed this will be maintained next year.
Is this news as good as it sounds on face value and what about the huge cost of £805 million?
Chancellor Osborne has said that the government found the £805 million necessary from underspending across Whitehall departments. You have to wonder just how much underspending is happening and what more could be utilised. It is believed that Osborne wants to appease hard hit voters. He has said that this council tax freeze for 2012 - 2013 will help families. Well it will help any person who pays council tax. If you are a millionaire with a huge property you will in effect receive more help.
Although it is nice to have at east one bill not increasing it is not good news for the economy. The Unions have already blasted the council tax freeze saying it does nothing to help growth and employment. It may help small businesses.
UK voters must also remember that this same government increased VAT to 20% just before the first council tax freeze and further increases cannot be ruled out. With the cost of living in the UK rising all the time no person will feel the benefit of the freeze which for most people will put £72 a year back in their pockets. Almost enough to pay for one extra loaf of bread a week, at current prices. However of course we could have been facing huge council tax rises and more, so it has to be a glimmer of good news.
The Tory Party conference will continue in Manchester all this week and more vote pullers and vote losers will no doubt be announced.
Although it is nice to have at east one bill not increasing it is not good news for the economy. The Unions have already blasted the council tax freeze saying it does nothing to help growth and employment. It may help small businesses.
UK voters must also remember that this same government increased VAT to 20% just before the first council tax freeze and further increases cannot be ruled out. With the cost of living in the UK rising all the time no person will feel the benefit of the freeze which for most people will put £72 a year back in their pockets. Almost enough to pay for one extra loaf of bread a week, at current prices. However of course we could have been facing huge council tax rises and more, so it has to be a glimmer of good news.
The Tory Party conference will continue in Manchester all this week and more vote pullers and vote losers will no doubt be announced.
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