£1,000 fine for householders who refuse council tax 'snoopers'

A new army of council tax 'inspectors' is to be given the right to enter people's homes and issue fines to anyone who refuses to cooperate.

Camera-wielding officials will be able to take photographs inside properties, including bedrooms, and rule they should pay more if they have home improvements such as patios and conservatories.

Residents could be fined £1,000, and then £200 every day after that, if they do not let the inspectors in or fail to properly 'assist' them.

This tax will hit Northern Ireland in April, with a Government review of town hall finances thought to be looking at the same system for England.