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Council Tax: Fires

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 27 April 2026UIN 128483

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to support homeowners whose properties are uninhabitable due to fire damage, including through council tax exemptions.

Answered by Alison McGovern

There is no specific council tax exemption for properties which have been damaged by fire. However, where a property is uninhabitable due to damage it may be removed from the council tax list. No one will be liable for council tax for the property whilst it is removed from the list. It is for the Valuation Office Agency to determine whether a property is uninhabitable for council tax purposes. The government has no plans to change this policy.

Where households are homeless or at risk of homelessness, they should reach out to their local council for advice and support.

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