Constituents of Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner are at the centre of a shocking stamp duty avoidance scandal, with official figures revealing widespread underpayment of property taxes in her Stockport constituency.
Revealing the Numbers
HMRC data shows that homeowners in Ms Rayner's constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne are significantly underdeclaring property values when paying stamp duty. The average difference between declared values and actual sale prices has reached alarming levels, suggesting systematic tax avoidance.
Rayner's Own Property Controversy
The revelation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Ms Rayner's own property affairs. The Labour MP has faced questions about whether she properly paid capital gains tax on the sale of her former council house in Stockport, which she reportedly declared as her main residence despite her husband living elsewhere.
Constituency-Wide Pattern
Property experts analysing the data have expressed concern about the pattern emerging in the area. The consistent under-valuation of properties suggests either widespread misinformation or deliberate attempts to reduce tax liabilities.
Political Implications
This development poses serious questions for the Labour Deputy Leader, who has positioned herself as a champion of tax fairness and social justice. The contrast between her political rhetoric and the reality in her own backyard could prove damaging.
HMRC Response
Tax authorities have indicated they are aware of discrepancies in property tax declarations across several regions. However, the concentration of underpayments in Ms Rayner's constituency appears particularly pronounced.
The scandal raises uncomfortable questions about tax compliance in the very community represented by one of Parliament's most vocal advocates for tax justice.
