News
British expats face bigger council tax bills
16-11-2011
A proposal recently mooted by Eric Pickles, secretary for communities and local government, could see expats lose their council tax discounts.
Under current
regulations, individuals owning an English property that is no-one’s main
residence can apply for a discount on the tax they pay their local
council. These discounts are lucrative,
and can reduce a bill by up to 100%.
However, in a
move to keep bills affordable for “hard-working families and pensioners” councils
are set to be given the discretion to cease the discounts.
This news comes
as demand for rental properties in the UK – and especailly London – rises to unprecedented
levels. An average 5 tenants compete for each property and rent is now said to
be less affordable than a mortgage.
With pressure on
the UK housing market only set to worsen, there are testing times ahead for
home owners and tenants alike.