Homeowners will 'pay more tax for a nice view'

They say the Valuation Office Agency, the government body which decides council tax bandings, has already re-valued around three per cent of homes in the area.

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nd, as they decide new bandings, they are taking into account factors such as pleasant views, peace and quiet and the availability of public transport.

The agency says this is part of a constant re-examination of houses for council tax purposes.

Jason Sugarman, Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate, said: 'Taxing people in this way is in effect punishing them for their quality of life.

'People in this constituency, regardless of income, also look likely to be prime targets in this tax raid, thanks to natural features like the sea or the Downs.

'Already many people in this area are struggling to pay council tax bills that are rising far faster than people's incomes.

'Yet instead of doing something to stop council tax pulling hard-working families down, Labour are intent on finding new ways to raid their bank accounts.'