Alternatives to Council Tax and Stamp Duty
Westminster Hall debate
On Wednesday 17 May 2023, Simon Fell MP led a Westminster Hall debate on alternatives to Council Tax and Stamp Duty.
Ahead of the debate, he gave the following statement:
"I was delighted to lead a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday on the alternatives to council tax and stamp duty.
"This is a great opportunity to discuss the issues in the current system, and to begin to have constructive conversations with people on how to make the system fairer and work better for those who need it.
"This type of tax reform would help families struggling to pay their bills as well as easing the burden of tax in areas with more low value properties and helping young people.
"Council tax in England is based on valuations conducted more than 30 years ago* and it’s important to work with the UK Government to introduce a fairer system across the board."
*For more information, including valuations in England and Wales, see:
Valuation Office Agency: How domestic properties are assessed for Council Tax bands (March 2022)
Read the transcript on Hansard
Watch the debate
How it works
What is a Westminster Hall Debate?
Westminster Hall debates take place in the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons.
They give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister.
Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'.
How Parliament works: Westminster Hall debates.
Parliamentary resources
House of Commons Library
Relevant research:
- Local government taxation (January 2023)
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (Temporary Relief) Act 2023 (April 2023)
- Stamp duty land tax on residential property (August 2021)
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee
Relevant inquires:
- Council tax collection (February 2023)
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