VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Council Tax: Probate

Asked by Tom MorrisonLiberal DemocratMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 2 May 2025UIN 47916

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing an exemption for Council Tax on properties that are temporarily unoccupied due to probate.

Answered by Jim McMahon

When a property has been left empty following the death of its owner or occupant, it is exempt from council tax for as long as it remains unoccupied and until probate is granted. Following a grant of probate (or the signing of letters of administration), a further six months exemption is possible, so long as the property remains unoccupied and has not been sold or transferred to someone else.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim