The council tax system in the UK has come under fire once again, with critics branding it as 'unfair and regressive'. Campaigners and financial experts argue that the current structure places a heavier burden on lower-income households, while wealthier property owners pay proportionally less.
Why Is Council Tax Considered Unfair?
The main criticism revolves around the outdated valuation bands, which haven't been updated since 1991. This means that many high-value properties are still taxed at rates far below their current market worth, while lower-value homes face disproportionately high bills.
Growing Calls for Reform
Several advocacy groups and think tanks are now urging the government to implement a complete overhaul of the system. Proposed alternatives include:
- A proportional property tax based on current market values
- A land value tax that would target undeveloped plots
- A local income tax system tied to earnings
The Impact on Household Budgets
With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to squeeze family finances, many are finding council tax bills increasingly unaffordable. Research shows that the poorest 10% of households spend nearly three times as much of their income on council tax as the wealthiest 10%.
As pressure mounts for change, all eyes are on Westminster to see if policymakers will finally address what many see as one of Britain's most unjust taxes.
