Ashfield MP calls for 'outdated and unfair' tax system to be replaced

As we come through this pandemic and look to the future, we must look to build a fairer country.
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And whilst it may not be on the tip of everyone’s tongue I strongly believe that we should replace both council tax and stamp duty with a much more simpler and fairer form of taxation.

It seems crazy that we have an old lady in Ashfield rattling about in a big old house paying more council tax than a family of five adults down the road living in a modest semi-detached.

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Council Tax is outdated, unfair and rises can have a devastating impact on some of the most vulnerable members of out society which is why I was disappointed to see Ashfield District Council increase council tax last year by 2.7 per cent, despite having a £2.6 million underspend in its budget.

Lee Anderson has called on Ashfield District Council to freeze council tax instead of it’s proposals to raise it. Photo: London Portrait Photographer-DAVLee Anderson has called on Ashfield District Council to freeze council tax instead of it’s proposals to raise it. Photo: London Portrait Photographer-DAV
Lee Anderson has called on Ashfield District Council to freeze council tax instead of it’s proposals to raise it. Photo: London Portrait Photographer-DAV

At a time where families are struggling, I can see no sense in increasing this tax whilst millions sit in the bank, so I have written to the council leader to ask him to freeze council tax this year.

We have all seen the impact of the stamp duty holiday.

It has led to a boom in house sales which in turn really fires up the local economy and gives a boost to local tradesman.

It is time for a much simpler tax system, which is why I am working with fellow Tory MPs who are lobbying the Treasury to come up with a system which will not penalise the poorest in our society or people trying to get on the property ladder.

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The money will always be there in our country, but we need to be smarter in how we tax.

Last Friday, I had my monthly meeting with Ashfield District Council and the Discover Ashfield Board.

These are extremely productive meetings where we get to plan the future investment for the area and, as the MP, I get to lobby the Government for investment which has led to us securing £6.2 million from the Future High Streets Fund plus an addition £1.5 million Accelerated Towns Fund which is now being spent on new cycle paths and on our children’s parks.

I am currently working on another bid to secure more town funding.

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Being the MP for an area you were born and raised in is very personal indeed and I will do everything I can to get the cash for this brilliant area.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Lee Anderson is MP for Ashfield.