Angela Rayner Purchases Third Home Amid Council Tax Hike Plans

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, has expanded her property portfolio by purchasing a luxury seaside apartment in Hove valued at around £700,000 to £800,000, adding to her constituency home and a grace-and-favour flat in London. This acquisition has sparked criticism and calls for transparency, notably from Conservative Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly and Reform deputy leader Richard Tice, as Rayner's department is enforcing stricter council tax rules on second homes, including a 100% extra council tax levy aimed at curbing housing unaffordability in popular tourist areas like Hove. Critics accuse her of hypocrisy for owning multiple properties while pushing for higher taxes on family homes and second homes nationwide. The purchase coincides with Chancellor Rachel Reeves' plans to increase property taxes on the middle class in the upcoming autumn Budget, and Rayner's consideration of further council tax hikes in wealthy areas to redistribute resources. Rayner has reportedly designated her Ashton-under-Lyne home as her primary residence and claimed council tax reimbursements on her London flat, but has not fully disclosed her council tax status regarding her multiple properties. Despite public scrutiny, Rayner has celebrated the new purchase with a housewarming and has been seen enjoying leisure time near her new home, accompanied by security details paid for by taxpayers.