Rich residents asked support a new 'mansion tax'

The wealthiest residents in a posh region are being asked to support a ‘bold” new “mansion tax”.

The highest rate payers in Surrey, England, have been told by their local council that the voluntary fee, atop their usual rates, will further fund important public services.

Residents of Waverley Borough Council are also being asked which services they would want the money directed to, according to the BBC.

The concept is based on a tariff in Westminster, London, and which applies to properties valued upwards of £10 million ($AU19.5 million).

The charges paid by Westminster homeowners was dubbed a “mansion tax” by the press. It goes towards combating youth homelessness, establishing shelter for the most vulnerable living on the streets and offering mental health support.

If Waverley’s council take a similar path, it would set up a charity to receive the donations and administer the funds, the BBC reported.

Independent councillor Steve Williams said a recent council meeting, according to the national broadcaster: “What we have here is a very bold, imaginative, creative way to enable those who can afford it within our community to be able to make a contribution”.

Famous homeowners in Surrey, or those born in the pretty enclave – about an hour south west of the capital – include Emily In Paris star Lily Collins, movie icon Julie Andrews, Harry Potter actor Tom Felton and musician Eric Clapton.

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