Explore the Evolution of the Council Tax and the History of Local Taxation

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Taxation has been a feature in society since the earliest records, even being referred to in early historical texts such as the Bible. Since the initial existence of taxations there have been various systems both across and within countries and cultures. In the United Kingdom taxation is implemented at both a national level such as national insurance and income tax, based on an individual income and local taxation. Local taxation has existed for many years with various reforms due to enduring controversy and dissatisfaction. This essay aims to explore the history of local taxation with a focus on the evolution of council tax and considers if a fair system has yet been achieved for local council finances. The origin of local taxation in Britain can be traced back to medieval times, where local parishes would charge “tithes” to the congregation. A “tithe” would relate to a tenth of agricultural produce or personal income of the individual concerned, more a reflection of our modern income tax. This ad hoc system became more systemised and recognisable of our current council tax system in the 1600s with the introductions of the rating system which was to remain in place relatively unchanged for a duration of nearly 400 years. The rating system or the rates was a property based tax which was calculated by assessing the rateable value of an individual’s home. Rateable value was determined by the size and/or valuation of the property, the rates were then charged dependant on this evaluation of property. Several problems were apparent in the rating system. The main drawback of the rating system was that it did not consider how many individuals were occupying a property, nor did it consider the income of inhabitants. This meant that a household with only one occupant on a low income such as a pensioner could be paying the same amount of tax as a household with several

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