Ashfield residents among lowest UK taypayers

The survey, carried out by accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young has found that people living in the Ashfield area pay an average of £2,540 in income tax each year.

Just three other areas out of 401 others across Britain pay less, with Ashfield tax-payers forking out nearly half that paid by the average across the country.

Leader of Ashfield District Council, Chris Baron, said there were a number of reasons behind why local people pay less income tax.

“20 years ago when the mining, clothing and textile industries were a common full time employment of most families, Ashfield would have been average - however - time changes, and not necessarily for the better.

“Unemployment levels, in particular with youth are at an unacceptable level and permanent sustainable jobs with good chances of promotion are few and far between.

“The minimum wage is common, although more employers are now paying the “living wage”.

“Ashfield’s goal is encouraging businesses to our district, get our workforce trained in the areas business require, with a focus on high skills and quality.

“Unless all partners have this clear vision for prosperity in Ashfield, I would imagine we will continue to be one of the lowest areas paying income tax.

“Promoting Ashfield for new businesses has never been more forceful and productive - we are getting there - but there’s a lot of catching up to do.”

The UK average income tax bill is £4,985 a year, but those who reside in the leafiest areas of the country pay three times this amount.

28 of the top 30 regions are located in the so-called stockbroker belt towns.

Residents of Elmbridge, in Surrey, which includes the towns of Esher, Walton on Thames and Weybridge, pay the most at £16,600 a year.

The region, nicknamed the “Beverly Hills of Britain”, has several famous residents, including musician Elton John and tennis player Andy Murray.

At the other end of the tax league table, those who live in Blackpool pay the least income tax out of all the 401 regions at £2,290 a year.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? To email your commenst CLICK HERE