COUNCIL TAX

Councils have recently been setting new rates for council tax for 2004/5. Regular above inflation increases have led to criticisms of the current taxation system. The council tax payed by Mickley tax payers goes mainly to Northumberland County Council and Tynedale District Council, with a small portion going to Prudhoe Town Council.

The present system was introduced to replace the 'Poll Tax' introduced in the 1980's. It is based on the valuation of your property within various bands. It means that the amount of tax you pay relates to the value of your house, rather than your ability to pay.

The system has been criticised by some groups e.g. retired people with limited income living in higher band properties. The views of one group the Campaign for the Reform of Council Tax are shown in the attached document.

Download PDF Document

For more information click here to go to the IsItFair Web site

What are your views on Council Tax? Should it be scrapped and replaced by an increased levy on Income Tax and VAT?

E-mail your views to council@mickley.plus.com