Written question asked by David Martin (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 December 1996. It was answered by Lord Deben (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 December 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: If he will make a statement on the assessment of granny annexes for council tax purposes.

Answer: Mr. David Martin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the assessment of granny annexes for council tax purposes. [9857] Mr. Gummer: Under current legislation, if a building or part of a building, such as a granny annex, is a self-contained unit of living accommodation, then it is assessed for council tax purposes as a separate dwelling. In some circumstances, this means that families whose dependent relatives live with them may face two council tax bills, one for each part of their property. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I now propose to amend these rules, so that in future a self-contained unit within a single property will not be treated as a separate dwelling if it is occupied by an elderly or disabled member of the family living in the rest of the property. This will relieve the burden which presently falls on some families who have chosen to provide support for close family members under the same roof with a measure of independence.

Secondary information