What would you replace the council tax with?

Question

Given that the council tax is almost as unpopular as the poll tax and taxes the few (regardless of income) rather than everyone surely the way forward is to replace it with a local sales tax. I would envisage a system whereby every unit sold at every outlet below 50 pence would have an additional 1 pence local sales tax added. Goods in value in excess of this would be taxed at 1 pence in every 50 pence (i.e. an item costing £10 would in effect be £10.20). This would enable a very unpopular tax to be scrapped while at the same time ensuring local services were properly funded. Those on a small fixed income would only be paying in a sum commensurate with their lifestyle and would surely pay less than they do now as everyone, in effect, would be sharing the burden.

Answer 1

wouldn't this mean that the poor were taxed on essentials, a penny on 50 p may not seem like much but it adds up.

Everyone should need to pay some sort of housing tax - not just the owner - but everyone living in a house, flat or caravan. It should be means tested though.

Answer 2

They should go back to the old rate system it worked for years
untill the tories decided on the Poll Tax now we are worse off
with the Council Tax.Your idea is good has people on low incomes spend a lot less than people on higher income.

Answer 3

Good old fashioned rates that were based on the size of your house. But you see that did not generate enough income to keep those elected happy.

Is there any system that would be fair? Truly though what is required is a government that is able to put system in place that is fair to all. And government who knows what the blazes they are doing and one that lives in the real world.

Answer 4

Council Tax Rebates!!

Answer 5

local tax on ability to pay

Answer 6

higher gas ,beer,food,taxes what the hell everyone seems to still give money away anyhow

Answer 7

anything but tax

Answer 8

coffee shops