PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(1 September 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans she has to amend statutory exceptions to the second homes council tax premium to cover properties which cannot lawfully be (a) occupied and (b) let by owners due to pre-existing occupancy restrictions attached to (i) specialist and (ii) supported housing developments.

Asked by:
Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative)

It is for councils to decide whether to charge the premium in their area, taking account of local circumstances. The Department has introduced a number of exceptions, including dwellings that cannot be occupied as a person’s sole or main residence because of planning restrictions. It is for individual councils to assess whether it is appropriate to apply any further exceptions or discounts for second homes. Councils will make these decisions based on local circumstances.

The government remains committed to ensuring the council tax system is fair for taxpayers and local authorities and will continue to keep taxes and all elements of the local government finance system under review.

Answered by:
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