Labour MP calls for fairer council tax system reform

Jonathan Brash, a Labour MP from Hartlepool, has called for a major change in how council tax is calculated in England. He believes that the current system unfairly charges poorer areas more than wealthier ones. Brash argues that many households could save up to £1,500 a year if council tax were based on current property values instead of outdated assessments from 1991. During a discussion in the House of Commons, Brash described the current council tax system as “the most unfair and regressive” tax in the country. He highlighted stark differences in council tax payments between residents in Westminster and those in Hartlepool. In central London, residents with band A properties pay £648 per year, while those in Hartlepool pay £1,585 for the same band. This disparity continues to grow, especially for higher band properties. Brash warned that ongoing council tax increases, combined with cuts to local services, are making residents unhappy. He cautioned that this dissatisfaction could lead to political consequences for the government. He stressed the need to reform the system to relieve the financial burden on working families and to ensure wealthier individuals pay their fair share. Local government minister Jim McMahon responded by saying that the government does not plan to reevaluate council tax during this parliament. However, he mentioned efforts to address funding differences among local authorities and noted that updates have been made to how councils are funded. McMahon emphasized that Hartlepool, with a larger number of more affordable homes, should not be treated the same as wealthier areas with higher-value properties.