VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Asylum: Housing

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 4 September 2026UIN 20078

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether there are council tax discounts, exemptions and disregards in relation to asylum seekers under arrangements made under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; and whether there are provisions which amend the hierarchy of liability for asylum seekers.

Answered by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The council tax (Liability for Owners) Regulations 1992 does not set out dwellings exempt or discounted from council tax. Instead, it prescribes classes of dwellings where the owner of the dwelling is liable for council tax, rather than the occupant. Therefore, where the dwelling has been provided to an asylum seeker under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, the owner will be liable rather than the occupants. The government does not collect data on the dwellings within the classes prescribed by the regulations.

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