The new idea has been met with criticism following Rachel Reeves’ plans for a so-called mansion tax.
In Labour’s latest tax grab, a quango will use aerial photography to locate England’s most expensive homes. Satellites will “spy” on properties with a high value which are targeted by Labour’s council tax surcharge, reports The Telegraph.
The new surcharge will apply to houses worth £2 million or more. But where a house is worth more than £5 million, the bill could amount to as much as £7,500. The Valuation Office Agency did not deny it will use “modern technology” to carry out Rachel Reeves’ raid on property wealth.
A new surcharge will look into homes worth £2 million or more (Image: Getty Images)
It has emerged that the VOA previously used similar tactics in Wales, building an “automated valuation model” to verify the size of houses and gardens as part of the Senedd’s sweeping overhaul of council tax.
The Welsh plans, which would have increased taxes on the most expensive homes, were later delayed until 2028 amid concerns they would worsen the cost-of-living crisis.
But this is not the only thing they looked into.
They also began looking into Energy Performance Certificates. Those with more energy efficient homes, such as double glazing or heat pumps, could also be seen as worthy of paying higher taxes.
James Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary, said: “It’s clear Labour have been using Wales as a test bed to develop the Big Brother technology to hike council tax on people’s homes.”
Some have raised privacy concerns over the idea (Image: Getty Images)
He added: “Labour ministers have failed to deny that the sinister Valuation Office Agency database will be used in England.
“And Labour won’t stop at higher-end homes, you can guarantee that this surcharge will be widened, and families will wake up and find their home is now classed as a ‘mansion’.”
In response, Treasury minister James Murray said: “The automated valuation model for Wales approach may be adaptable for use in other locations.
“However, as with Wales, this would require further investigation and significant preparatory work.”
Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, said: “So Labour plan to spy more on the British people”.
A VOA spokesman said: “We employ professional valuers who are involved at every stage, using modern technology and industry standard techniques combined with freely available information including sales data, property attribute details and government records. We also inspect properties where needed.”
He added: “This will be the same for our valuations for the high value council tax surcharge.”
