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Second Homes: Council Tax

Asked by Paul HolmesConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 19 January 2026UIN 104962

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with (i) London Councils and (ii) Westminster City Council on second homes council tax premium (a) evasion and (b) avoidance since July 2024; and what representations his Department has received on that issue.

Answered by Alison McGovern

Local authorities are required to administer and enforce the council tax system. This includes managing and addressing any potential cases of avoidance or evasion in the system, including council tax premiums. The government does not advise local authorities on how they should handle potential cases of avoidance or evasion.

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