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Written question asked by Chris Coghlan (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 June 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Sheltered Housing: Service Charges

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of arrangements whereby service charges and council tax on retirement properties remain payable by the estate following the death of the owner during elongated periods when the property remains unsold; and whether he plans to review the application of such charges in these circumstances.

Answer

In relation to service charges I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 4726 on 8 June 2026.

With regard to council tax, when a property has been left empty following the death of its owner or occupant, it is exempt from council tax for as long as it remains unoccupied and until probate is granted. Following a grant of probate (or the signing of letters of administration), a further six months exemption is possible, so long as the property remains unoccupied and has not been sold or transferred to someone else. Once the exemption period has ended, normal rules on empty properties apply. The government has no plans to change this exemption.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12434
Session
2026-27
Related items
Sheltered Housing: Service Charges
Monday, 8 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Death Council tax Leasehold Older people Sheltered housing Service charges
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk