Car boot sales face tax blitz by cash-strapped Labour

 

Landowners could be hit by larger business rate bills if they hold regular car boot sales

Gordon Brown was accused last night of a ‘tax blitz’ on Britain’s car boot sales in a desperate attempt to raise more revenue.

Valuation officials admitted that those who run the popular events could face tax rises in a revamp of property levies to come in next April.

They confirmed that landowners, including farmers, could be hit with bigger business rates bills if they hold regular sales.

The move has brought fears that the tax hikes will be passed on to customers in the form of higher admission fees and more expensive goods.

Last night, the Tories claimed bargain hunters would be the victims of ‘yet another assault by Gordon Brown’s tax inspectors’.

The number of car boot sales has rocketed in the past year as people try to raise extra cash in the recession.

One website which advertises the events reported a 78 per cent rise in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2008.

Local Government Minister Barbara Follett confirmed that under a five-yearly review of business rates, the Valuation Office Agency would take into account whether a property was being used for boot fairs.

 

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She said: ‘Where a property is used as a car boot sale site its rateable value for the 2010 revaluation should reflect any rental enhancement attributable to that use.’

Her officials said this had always been the case when assessing rates and claimed most business would see their bills reduce next year.

But Tory Shadow Secretary for Local Government Caroline Spelman said that since the number of sales had soared, many more people would be affected, adding: ‘In the depths of a recession, car boot sales are more important than ever. They also help the environment by reducing the amount of unwanted items thrown into landfill.’

A spokesman for Ms Follett said last night: ‘The five-yearly revaluations make sure each business pays its fair contribution and no more.’

VOA sources said charity events would be unaffected.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1221159/Car-boot-sales-face-tax-blitz-cash-strapped-Labour.html#ixzz0UKXjQDIG

Got this off a colleauge tonight and guess what i have two in the Morning,oh by the way i have not called them.

Recent polls suggest a close contest between Conservatives and Labour – it’s a two-horse race between Gordon Brown’s Labour candidate and local Conservative

Over confident? brash? well it’s your call. What do you want from your MP.you could ask for experience.Funny thing life some of the key factors we all go through a Job, have any of you been on strike for more pay, working in shocking conditions, health and safety issues, or maybe you just can’t find a job. What does your conservative candidate think what’s is background in the employment jungle? perhaps you should ask him.You may be surprised.

Housing how many of you have had trouble finding housing, social or private. Need advice on the pitfalls of mortgages, perhaps you should ask your Conservative candidate is view and the problems he as encountered personally when going through the processes.Ask him you may be surprised.

What’s his view on the war?

What’s his view on health?

What’s his view on the Benefit systems?

What’s his view on emigration?

What’s his view on anything?

Someone once said it’s easy in opposition to criticise. but would you not feel more confident with someone with experience of life and willing to offer a policy statement, not silly comments like the Liberal Democrats are a poor third?

I see daily young men and women who work for a living, manage debt, have a mortgage, run a home, have kids or trying, get married and have degrees, gutsy and are willing to take advice. i hold my hands up to them, because they are the future of this country,but they have had the courage to take that first step, they are the people i would vote for, if i where to vote.We need all levels and all backgrounds of people at Westminster. but i would ask you to think that person will hold a powerful post– and without any basic qualifications in what i would call life skills would you feel confident to offer your vote. I understand my failings and my weaknesses, it’s when you reach that point in life your character changes and you except your capabilities.perhaps others should do the same.