Opponents of the proposed change to mortgage interest tax relief for landlords have promised what they call a “shock and awe” campaign to try to persuade Shelter to reverse its stance on the measure.

The opponents – in the Axe The Tenant Tax campaign – say on their Facebook page that following a recent meeting with Chancellor Phillip Hammond it is clear that he listens to Shelter. Therefore persuading the charity to reverse its current support for the mortgage interest change may ultimately convince the government to do the same, the opponents say.

The issue revolves around section 24 of the Finance Act 2015, which campaigners have nick-named the Tenant Tax. Opponents claim that it is wrong because most small businesses are taxed and allowed to deduct their costs before calculating their taxable profits – something denied to landlords under this proposal.

“We want to get them [Shelter] to change their position and support our campaign to Axe the Tenant Tax. This would greatly help our lobbying efforts. While we can’t reveal the shock and awe campaign that we have planned in relation to Shelter, we do need you to help us with an interim measure…” the campaigners write on their Facebook page.

The campaigners then link to a Shelter blog, written last September, saying that while the charity believes some criticism of section 24 to be overblown, it feels that it is nonetheless the case that some landlords will probably be obliged to sell or raise rents as a result of the measure. 

“Please can you click the link … read the article and then post your comments. Share your personal circumstances in relation to the negative impact on tenants. Be specific with your own situations and berate Shelter for not acting in the best interests of tenants” urge the campaigners.

They say further details will follow “but please hammer the Shelter comments section on this link as it will greatly support our broader campaign activities.”

You can see the Shelter blog and the comments here.