Karin Smyth – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Communities and Local Government

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Karin Smyth on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if his Department will take steps to provide additional support for people who need to dispose of a property after the death of a relative by reviewing existing council tax liabilities.

Mr Marcus Jones

The Government provides an exemption from council tax for up to 6 months to people who have inherited properties which are left empty due to the death of the occupier. This applies after the granting of probate, or after letters of administration have been signed. Local authorities additionally have discretion to offer discounts of between 0% and 100% for empty homes. Authorities can also defer payment of council tax until the proceeds of a sale are made available.

The Government has no plans to change this support.