In a controversial move announced in the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed the introduction of a new 'Mansion Tax' on properties valued at over £2 million. The policy, detailed in the Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) report, will be enforced using advanced aerial surveillance.
The 'Spy Satellite' Enforcement Plan
According to reports from The Telegraph, the Labour government plans to deploy what critics are calling 'spy' satellites to monitor high-value properties. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will utilise aerial photography to help determine the value of the most expensive homes across England.
A spokesman for the VOA insisted that the agency would only use "freely available" aerial information already in the public domain, such as Google Maps, and denied any accusations of spying on homeowners.
Financial Impact and Political Backlash
The data gathered will be used to apply a punitive council tax surcharge. Households with properties exceeding £5 million in value could face additional yearly tax bills of up to £7,500.
The policy has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures. Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly stated, "It’s clear Labour have been using Wales as a test bed to develop the Big Brother technology to hike council tax on people's homes." He warned that the surcharge would likely be widened to affect more families in the future.
Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, echoed these concerns, remarking, "So, Labour plan to spy more on the British people." John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, slammed the tax as a "vicious, envy-driven policy which will only exacerbate the exodus of wealthy people from the UK."
Broader Council Tax Context
The announcement comes alongside wider council tax changes. The OBR revealed that the annual council tax bill for a standard Band D property, currently £2,280, is set to rise by 5% to £2,394 in 2026. This increase includes a 3% base rise plus an additional 2% precept for social care funding.
