Homeowners who purchase Home information packs (Hips) from August 1st may find themselves paying for the luxury of higher council tax bills, MPs have warned.

The controversial packs will contain a range of information, such as the number and size of rooms and whether the homeowner has added conservatories, patios or double glazing.

However, the Conservative party has warned that the information will probably be used to increase council tax bills, with homeowners effectively paying to allow inspectors to enter their home, record details, and then up taxes.

The Conservatives warn that homeowners who do not have double glazing or solar panels could be "explicitly penalised with higher council tax bills".

Eric Pickles, shadow secretary of state for local government and communities, commented: "Labour's plans for Home information packs are nothing less than a home information tax.

"It is increasingly clear that a council tax revaluation is already underway by stealth, with Big Brother databases starting to log…the number of bedrooms, conservatories, floor area and central heating," Mr Pickles continued.

The Conservatives warn that Hips will allow the government to increase council taxes on hard-working families and pensioners who have invested and improved their homes.

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Author:  Joanne McCabe

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