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Church of England: Council Tax

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeTreasuryTabled Answered 20 April 2026UIN 124701

The question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Church of England will be liable for council tax surcharge for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s residence in Lambeth Palace and its associated gardens.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson

The High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) is a new charge on owners of residential property in England worth £2 million or more in 2026, taking effect in April 2028. Owners, not residents, will pay the surcharge. The government will consult on potential exemptions and reliefs in due course.

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