The new British coalition government has warned local authorities in the United Kingdom not to provide tax breaks to branches of the Church of Scientology. After an investigation by The Guardian newspaper revealed that several local authorities have granted Scientology tax breaks worth over a million pounds, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government <name>Eric Pickles</name> intervened to urge councils to end the practice.

<name>Pickles</name> noted in a statement that Scientology was not officially recognised in the UK as a religion or a registered charity and was not eligible for tax relief. <name>Pickles</name> commented, "I do not believe the majority of the public would want their own council to be giving special tax breaks to such a controversial organisation."

The minister's intervention followed the disclosure by The Guardian that at least four local authorities have given Scientology lucrative tax discounts on branches in their areas.