Andy Burnham Proposes Major Overhaul of Council Tax Amid By-Election Campaign
MILLIONS of families could face soaring bills as Andy Burnham vows to overhaul council tax in Labour lurch to Left

Image: Mail Online
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has announced plans to overhaul the council tax system, labeling it 'regressive' and advocating for a land value tax. This proposal could lead to increased bills for many families, especially in areas with rising property values. Critics warn that such changes could disproportionately affect those on fixed incomes and recent homeowners.
- 01Burnham criticized the current council tax system for relying on outdated property valuations from 1991.
- 02Proposals include a land value tax that could target high-value homes, particularly in London and the South East.
- 03Previous plans suggested a new tax structure with minimum payments based on property value, potentially increasing costs for 4.1 million households.
- 04Burnham reiterated his support for abolishing inheritance tax in favor of a social care levy.
- 05The upcoming Makerfield by-election is seen as a critical test for Burnham's leadership ambitions within the Labour Party.
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Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has launched his campaign for the Makerfield by-election with a bold proposal to overhaul the council tax system, which he describes as 'highly regressive.' He argues that the current system, based on 1991 property valuations, is unjustifiable and calls for a land value tax to better reflect current property values. This shift could significantly impact millions of families, particularly in regions like London and the South East, where property values have surged. Critics, including some within the Labour Party, warn that this reform could disproportionately burden families who have stretched their finances to purchase homes and pensioners on fixed incomes. Burnham's plans include a potential percentage levy based on property value, which could result in higher bills for many. He also reaffirmed his commitment to Labour's 2024 manifesto, including ruling out increases in income tax and national insurance, while expressing openness to more radical wealth taxes. As Burnham positions himself as a candidate for change within Labour, the by-election on June 18 will be a crucial test of his political influence and vision for the party's future.
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If implemented, these reforms could lead to higher council tax bills for many families, particularly affecting new homeowners and those on fixed incomes.
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