Local taxpayers have been reassured that there will be no unexpected wave of council tax revaluation hikes in the next five years.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles and Treasury Minister David Gauke have confirmed that the Government will not carry out a council tax revaluation in England during the lifetime of this Parliament.

In addition an independent Data Protection Audit of the Valuation Office Agency's (VOA) council tax database is to be carried out to make sure people's privacy is protected when the Agency assesses properties and stores data. This takes forward the Coalition's desire to defend civil liberties, restore the rights of individuals and in keeping with Britain's tradition of freedom and fairness.

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There are also plans for a broader local government resource review that will examine the way councils are funded, to provide greater financial freedoms and decrease dependency on Whitehall funding, which has previously pushed up council tax in many local authorities due to so-called 'gearing' effects.

Mr Pickles, said: "We are standing up for people who have pride in their home, and calling time on the surveillance state.

"Hefty council tax bills are a constant financial worry for many people. Today we are setting their minds at ease, and protecting the interests of the less well-off in particular."

(CD/GK)