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Second Homes: Council Tax

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 17 November 2025UIN 87780

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether (a) his Department and (b) the Valuation Tribunal Service has issued (i) guidance and (ii) advice to local billing authorities on the changing of designations of secondary residences to primary occupation.

Answered by Alison McGovern

The government has not issued guidance to councils on this. It is for individual councils to assess whether a dwelling is a sole/main residence or if it is a second or empty home. In doing this councils will consider a range of factors including; where the liable person is registered with a GP, where they vote, where their family home is etc.

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