Am I the most responsive person in the UK? I thought I’d tick all the boxes that society loves to rib you. I trained in real estate, worked in investment banks, and in private equity, then as a talk show host (the GOB on Stick), and also appeared on reality TV shows.
I know it’s not everyone’s tea. Teasing is one thing, but I’ve never been extra taxed for it. Until now, as the owner of a second home.
Starting April 1, those who own holiday homes in one of the more than 200 UK council areas that apply the new law will face a 100% council tax levies. For me, that means that £4,433.68 on my annual bill doubles to £8,867.36.
aww diddums. I know what this story will turn out. If you can afford a second home, is it certainly a small price to pay thousands of pounds extra in parliamentary tax? The council is tied up, the social care bill is inflated, and you clearly have burning money. Look at the social and economic damage caused by your selfishness.
of course. Built in 1911, my home is necessary to resolve the country’s housing crisis. Paying for maintaining real estate that requires more investment. How bold is it to want to run away after a week of work? I dare to have that desire.
I bought a beach retreat in 2012 and downsized it in London to make the numbers work. My choice means that I pay more taxes while people are working too. There is a second insurance contract, a 12% premium tax, and a VAT for renovations and construction work. Everything is fine. But the repeated taxes that you own something and punish for paying more for the same service than others seems unfair to me.
Regardless of the means, double the council tax can find many dosh. In my case, that would amount to filling Aston 43 times. And that money is not looking for a home, so that means it will affect businesses where I can spend less money elsewhere and profit from the extra habits.
But, seriously, it’s not just about money. This means that this policy is just another measure of governments suffering from hell in hampering success. There is an additional VAT on tuition fees, and there is a reduction in IHT relief for farmers. Increased contributions to national insurance to employers, and increased vehicle tax on electric vehicles – not to mention ununderstandable tax laws, punish those who earn more than £100,000 at a marginal tax rate of 60%.
It’s not as if we can blame the current government for changes to council tax. Yes, they’ve enacted it, but the Level Up and Revitalization Act of 2023 was created by a previous administration that argued that it supports low taxes and wise spending. Margaret must be spinning in her grave – or at least seeking a refund for her legacy with an assault on this desire. One of the things that will help the economy grow more than anything else is that it is often crushed by the political class, the second homeowner, and is able to regain new collections.
My desires have driven me to work hard. Earn more, and yes, pay more taxes along the way. Now, second home owners find themselves at the bottom of a growing mountain of people getting mad and tired of rising taxes.
Few people cry for us, but taxing people to own what others have sets no precedent for small minds and envy. What’s next? Swimming pool tax, extras on a luxurious holiday, or owning a walk-in wardrobe? Perhaps the tax is due to too many pairs of designer socks? Or is it a sophisticated tax for those lucky enough to have a soft, closed toilet seat? You should stop giving ideas.
Meanwhile, supporters say the tax will help resolve the housing crisis and correct local government finances. If you believe it, I have a bridge to sell you. Will the price shrink? Probably at the top. But the fact that decades of successive governments cannot build enough homes to grow their population over the decades has engulfed us in this chaos.
As I wrote this and looked at the ocean from my house, I realized that it was not the second home – it is my home. Covid and Remote Work have changed the way I live. I vote here, I’m registered with my local Grand Prix, and spend a lot of my time in the community by serving as chairman of my local sports club. But of course, it all counts in vain. I’m the owner of the next home, I’m a fair game.
So we have to find ways to reduce the increase. The Essex County Council, the authorities that make up 60% of my council tax, has found themselves looking for a new CEO with a salary and profit of up to £228,753.
Thinking again, I resist. I don’t need another title for my social responsive portfolio.
James Max is a TV and radio broadcaster and real estate expert. The views expressed are personal. X, Instagram, thread @thejamesmax
