In the last parliament I ran a campaign with Ann Main to get Stamp Duty down. I was strongly against the slab system, which meant that once your home went over a specified sum you had to pay Stamp Duty at a higher rate on the whole value. I was pleased when the Chancellor accepted much of what we said. He has now changed the system so higher rates only apply above the relevant thresholds, and has cut Stamp Duty substantially for most properties.
I wish to see further cuts in the rates of Stamp Duty, as they are still high.
I am a strong supporter of keeping the Council Tax down. In the last Parliament the government offered incentives to Councils to avoid Council tax rises. These helped, and many Councils did a good job in controlling tax increases. I will wish to see further moves in the next Parliament to help Councils provide good value and keep their tax demands under control.
I will continue to work with Wokingham and West Berkshire Councils to urge them to offer good value for money and prudent finances.
I am against any suggestion of a new Mansion Tax on dearer homes, or an enhanced Council Tax. We pay more than enough to live in our homes as it is. It would not be fair to make it even dearer for home owners.
JOHN REDWOOD SPEAKING FOR WOKINGHAM SPEAKING FOR ENGLAND
Published and promoted by Thomas Puddy for John Redwood, both of 30 Rose Street Wokingham RG40 1XU