Corbyn manifesto ‘could
A MANSION tax that would “clobber” London homeowners by £3,000 or more a year may be in Jeremy Corbyn’s manifesto, it emerged today.
The dramatic possibility of one of Labour’s most controversial tax plans being revived surfaced after the party’s high command refused to slap down support for the idea voiced by a senior shadow cabinet member.
Quizzed about shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth saying the party “should continue” with a mansion tax, shadow chancellor John McDonnell would not rule it out and instead stressed that he would avoid tax rises on the lower and middle earners.
A return of the mansion tax would be highly controversial, especially in London where the vast majority of homes valued above £2 million are located.
The plan was to hit expensive homes with a levy of at least £250 a month, rising for more expensive properties using a sliding scale. It caused turmoil during the 2015 election campaign. Lord Mandelson called it “crude” and said it would “clobber” Londoners. Diane Abbott, now the shadow home secretary, questioned whether it would raise the funds promised.
The spotlight fell on Mr Ashworth’s remarks, which were made to a Lords committee in December, after Mr Corbyn promised higher pay for NHS staff on Wednesday. Quizzed by peers on December 13, the shadow health