NALC presses the government to end the double tax on rural residents

We have called on the government to end the long-running issue of double taxation in its response to the consultation on modernising council tax.

Residents in parished areas, particularly in rural communities, often pay twice for the same services. Parish and town councils raise money through a precept to fund local facilities such as parks, cemeteries and public toilets. In contrast, principal authorities levy additional charges to deliver similar services elsewhere. We stated that the system is outdated and unfair, urging ministers to act on remedies that already exist in law but are rarely used.

We are pushing for statutory rate relief on non-commercial community property, mandatory relief on parish-owned buildings, and legislative changes so that any surplus in council tax collection is shared proportionately with parish and town councils. We also want bills to be clearer, with precept charges shown in pounds and pence rather than misleading percentages.

We backed proposals to spread payments over 12 months, saying this would help households manage finances with little impact on council cash flow. It also supported digital billing but stressed that alternatives must remain in place for those who are digitally excluded.

On enforcement, we argued the current system is proportionate and should continue to rule out imprisonment for arrears. We welcomed tighter regulation of enforcement agents through statutory oversight.

Parish and town councils rely heavily on the precept for their income, and we warned that they are often left exposed when new responsibilities are devolved without funding. Ending double taxation, it said, would be a crucial step in recognising the value these councils deliver to local communities.