HMRC handed new council tax 'powers' with millions of UK households warned Taxpayers and UK households are being warned over a shake-up which will see HMRC given more responsibility. Taxpayers and UK households are being warned over a shake-up which will see HMRC given more responsibility. UK households have been warned over plans to hand MORE power to HMRC after the Labour Party government's decision this week. Taxpayers and UK households are being warned over a shake-up which will see HMRC given more responsibility. The taxman will take over the council tax quango amid plans to disband it. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which measures council tax, is being merged with HMRC as part of the Government’s attempt to boost efficiency. ‌ But campaigners have said it is a “retrograde step” that will lead to more delays. Mike Warburton, The Telegraph’s tax expert, said: “The VOA will be under tighter control of those elements within HMRC which I am somewhat distrustful of. ‌ READ MORE HMRC issues warning to 'wind down' use of scheme as it begins 'crackdown' "I would see it as a retrograde step. It’s basically ‘ Big Brother ’ taking more control. Some parts of HMRC have become bully boys whereas the VOA were fair to deal with. Article continues below "It was probably the best-informed unit because they had an absolute mass of information available from across the country. So you’re almost at a disadvantage from the word go.” Andrew Dixon, of campaign group Fairer Share, said: “The Government’s latest ‘simplification’ proposals risk adding even more pressure to already overstretched services like HMRC and the VOA. "New council tax surcharges on second homes will likely trigger a surge of appeals and revaluations – yet no meaningful investment has been made to fix the broken machinery. Article continues below “Fairer Share has long argued that patching up an outdated and deeply unfair system is no solution. Instead of complicating an already dysfunctional council tax, ministers should seize the moment for real reform.” The VOA is the latest quango to be hit, after NHS England was abolished in March. The Government said disbanding the VOA will “slash red tape, increase oversight and ministerial accountability”. James Murray, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are determined to reduce the hassle of the tax system for British businesses and taxpayers. Ending the inefficiency and duplication of a standalone VOA will help us drive change faster and improve value for money.”