Today’s Telegraph reports that the government is seeking to tax homeowners who have a nice view from their houses.
Taxpayers are set to be charged hundreds of pounds extra a year if they are in a conservation area, next to an open space, have a swimming pool or tennis court or enjoy full or partial views of the sea, hills, mountains, lakes or rivers.
Extra charges are also expected to be levied on homes with more bedrooms than average, conservatories, large patios or gardens, roof terraces or balconies. Homes in “gated communities” will also face higher bills.
Official documents show that ministers are going to extraordinary lengths to build a detailed database of properties across England, with the intention of placing them in a higher council tax band.
A question occurs: when that nice Mr Prescott comes along and concretes over your nice view, will your council tax reduce accordingly?
It seems that we are to have a 21st Century equivalent of the Window Tax then, except in the 17th and 18th Centuries windows could be bricked-in. As Ken Clark has said in the past, “All socialist governments run out of money in the end.” It’s just a shame that tax-payers have to suffer first.
Comment by Thersites — November 6, 2005 @ 1:48 pm
We should start a cult that believes that beautiful views are evil, but encourages its members to live in areas of outstanding natural beauty, as a test of their faith. Then we sue the government for religious persecution when they try to put our taxes up.
Comment by EU Serf — November 7, 2005 @ 2:52 pm
That’s actually a great idea. I would love to see the equality wallahs get to grips with middle-aged middle Englanders getting mardy over the suppression of their pagan rights.
Bring it on…
Comment by Gary Monro — November 7, 2005 @ 9:27 pm