About SHOUT

SHOUT is an independent grass-roots campaign against the High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) by people with no political affiliation.

SHOUT was set up to represent home-owners who are opposed to the proposal of the HVCTS to be levied each year on any house, flat or cottage valued at £2 million and above. The high value of land in London and the South East of England means that quite ordinary homes that would cost far less in other areas of the UK will be taxed simply because of their location.

Why would HVCTS harm neighbourhoods?

Many residents who bought their homes years ago could not afford to buy them at today's prices. They do not have the income to pay a swingeing annual levy on an asset that produces no income and indeed requires cash for maintenance. These home-owners (who may be elderly or have children in school or college) are often referred to as "asset rich and cash poor" and would be forced to sell their homes. Many would have to move out of their neighbourhoods.

Where would the money go?

Any money raised by this levy will be siphoned out of neighbourhoods into the Treasury, which would take disposable income away from local businesses, communities and charities. The tax would be expensive to collect. Some estimate that it will result in a loss of revenue to the Treasury when its effect on Stamp Duty, Inheritance Tax, VAT and Income Tax are taken into account. It is unfair and destructive to neighbourhoods and their communities.

Why support us?

We set up SHOUT to raise public awareness of the impact and the dangers posed by the proposed HVCTS on our homes and neighbourhoods and to persuade politicians to abandon it. Our committee comprises a small group of concerned resident home-owners who are unpaid.