36 h. ago Scottish Nationalists back unlimited council tax rises for second home owners

The SNP last night backed a Green amendment to the Housing (Scotland) Bill which will allow councils to more than double the amount of tax that second home owners pay.

Politics

40 h. ago Think twice before rushing to fix the UK’s broken property taxes

It took us a generation to get into the present council tax mess and would take another to emerge with minimal scars

Politics

54 h. ago East Ayrshire Council set to rule out 'Tourist Tax' for time being

East Ayrshire has far fewer visitors, with officials stating that the financial benefits would be minimal.

Politics

3 d. ago SNP's rent controls approved as empty and second homes poised for council tax hikes

The Scottish Government rejected plans to end tax breaks for the King’s properties and allow councils to force the sale or lease of derelict buildings or land

Society

3 d. ago Shona Robison pleads not to 'draw out drama' of delayed budget and makes huge council tax freeze hint

The Finance Secretary insisted she will not be “randomly taking an axe to services” as she came under pressure to offer more cash to under-pressure colleges.

Economics

3 d. ago MSPs to vote on cutting 'unpayable' council tax debt to end 'cycles of poverty'

The Scottish Greens want the time limit for council tax arrears in Scotland to be brought in line with England.

Economics

3 d. ago Scots could have council tax debt written off under plan to help struggling families

Households in Scotland are chased for missed local authority payments for up to 20 years - despite the equivalent rule in England being just six years.

Economics

8 d. ago Andy Burnham reveals Labour MPs privately urging him to challenge Starmer as he accuses PM of creating 'climate of fear'

The Manchester mayor’s vision to ‘turn the country around’ includes higher council tax on London homes and a 50p top rate of income tax

Events

9 d. ago Falkirk could see more council tax rises of up to 13 per cent over the next five years

Councillors are being asked to agree a five-year strategy as costs continue to rise for essential services.

Politics

1 week ago Fury as more than two million people to get bin collections every THREE weeks

More rat infestations and fly-tipping are now feared across England due to changes to waste collection, despite a rise in council tax bills by many local authorities

Politics

1 week ago The popular seaside towns where they DON'T want the second home tax even if it means hundreds of houses are empty most of the year

In April this year, the Isle of Wight became one of a number of local authorities to begin charging 100 per cent council tax premiums on second homes.

Society

1 week ago 'Hike holiday homes council tax to tackle Scotland's homelessness crisis' say Greens

Figures last week showed a record number of households living in temporary housing including 10,180 children.

Events

1 week ago How to buy a UK holiday home without paying stamp duty or extra council tax

Mobile homes aren’t usually synonymous with luxury holidays, but the residences at Dylan Coastal Resort might be about to change all that

Economics

2 w. ago High Court slams 'obviously unfair' Trafford council tax reduction scheme

A judge has ruled the authority should axe the 'discriminatory' scheme

Events

2 w. ago US nears government shutdown after Democrats oppose Republican bill that ‘guts healthcare’

Republican-controlled House approved bill but chances of passing Senate are slim as Democrats take a stand against Trump’s healthcare policiesUS politics live – latest updatesThe US federal government drew closer to a shutdown on Friday, after Democrats opposed a Republican-backed measure that would extend funding for another two months, saying it did not include provisions to protect healthcare programs.The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved the spending bill on a near party line vote, with only Maine Democrat Jared Golden breaking with his party to vote in favor. The Senate will consider the measure later in the day, but its chances of passage are slim, since it will need at least some Democratic support to clear the 60-vote threshold to overcome the filibuster. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago House passes spending bill as Democrats protest healthcare cuts: ‘We don’t work for Trump’

US nears government shutdown after Democrats oppose Republican bill that ‘guts healthcare’US politics live – latest updatesThe US federal government drew closer to a shutdown on Friday, after Democrats opposed a Republican-backed measure that would extend funding for another two months, saying it did not include provisions to protect healthcare programs.The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved the spending bill on a near party line vote, with only Maine Democrat Jared Golden breaking with his party to vote in favor. The Senate will consider the measure later in the day, but its chances of passage are slim, since it will need at least some Democratic support to clear the 60-vote threshold to overcome the filibuster. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago New calls to pause Council Tax payments for three months for all households

An online petition argues local councils are not providing services for which the bill pays.

Economics

2 w. ago MPs' expenses claims soar after law change allows local councils to charge punitive rates on second homes

From 1 April, local authorities in England have been able to charge a council tax premium of up to 100 per cent on second homes, which effectively doubles bills.

Society

2 w. ago Over £300k of council tax returned to Scots residents after worker stole £1m

Michael Paterson, 60, embezzled £1,087,444.47 from the local authority over 17 years in his role as council tax and recovery team leader.

Economics

2 w. ago New call for all people over State Pension age to get a Council Tax discount

A new online petition is calling for people on the State Pension to be exempt from paying Council Tax.

Economics