We recently caught up with James, a retired 61-year-old from Preston, who has been living in his home since 2003. Over the years, James has watched his Council Tax bill skyrocket while struggling to see the benefits. His annual bill now stands at £2,100, his biggest expense, which he describes as a bigger financial strain than the energy crisis. Here’s what James had to say during our chat.
“Council Tax is totally unfair”
James is deeply frustrated with the system. He moved from Luton, where he paid significantly less, and is angry at the huge regional disparities that make areas like Preston pay more while wealthier households contribute proportionally less. He also points out that Council Tax bands are still based on outdated 1991 valuations, meaning people are paying taxes that don’t reflect the true value of their homes today.
“Have I been overpaying?”
James has checked whether his home is in the correct Council Tax band, comparing it to other houses on his street. Most of the homes on his road are Band C, except for one mid-terrace house which is Band B. While his banding appears consistent, he still believes the entire system is flawed and punishes ordinary homeowners unfairly.
“Where is my money going?”
Despite paying thousands each year, James does not feel he is getting value for money. While he hasn’t personally noticed a decline in services, he believes a significant chunk of Council Tax is going towards council pensions rather than public services. He’s read that a quarter of Council Tax revenue goes into local authority pension schemes, leaving less for schools, policing, and local improvements.
“The rich get a better deal”
James finds it deeply unfair that wealthier households pay a lower share of their income in Council Tax than those on lower incomes. He has checked how much other areas pay and was shocked to find that Preston ranks high on the list of Council Tax burdens. For him, the current system punishes ordinary homeowners while protecting those with greater wealth.
“A Proportional Property Tax would halve my bill”
James is fully in favour of reform, believing that a Proportional Property Tax would dramatically reduce his Council Tax bill and ease the financial strain on millions. He also supports the idea of scrapping Stamp Duty and believes the government should help older generations downsize more easily if they choose to.
“If nothing changes, there will be a revolt”
When asked what will happen if Council Tax continues to rise without reform, James doesn’t hold back: “More debt, more people struggling, and possibly even a revolt.” He feels that without intervention, more households will fall into Council Tax arrears, creating an unsustainable cycle of financial hardship.
“We need to speak out”
James wants others in similar positions to raise their voices. He has been involved in campaigning for winter fuel support with Age UK and believes that collective action can bring change. He also fully supports Fairer Share’s campaign for Council Tax reform, describing it as a crucial step towards levelling up.
For James, the North-South divide in taxation is unacceptable, and reforming Council Tax is essential for fairness and financial security. His message to the government is clear: “The current system is outdated and unfair – it’s time for a tax that reflects today’s reality, not the early ’90s.”