Hazel Blears, interviewed just now by the DCLG select committee, has ruled out a council tax revaluation - but only until the next general election.

There has long been speculation that the move is imminent. It would be hugely controversial as millions of households could end up paying more (even if millions of others would not).

The communities secretary was asked repeatedly - by Anne Main, Tory MP for St Albans - if she would rule out a major revaluation exercise.

“I’m not going to set any hares running,” said Ms Blears. “I was right that we made the decision quickly in order to give people certainty….we knew there would be winners, losers, from that course of action”.

She pledged NO overhaul: at least, beyond the life of this Parliament. Beyond then - it was clear - there is no such promise.

January 12, 2009 7:18pm in Labour, UK politics | Comment