Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether Warwick District Council sought advice from his Department prior to introducing its second home council tax premium.

The Government does not provide advice to councils on the application of the council tax premiums. The Government has published guidance on the administration of premiums. Councils must make their own decisions on whether to charge a premium based on the legislation and their own local circumstances. Councils administer council tax independently of central government. Where necessary, councils should seek their own independent legal advice on the interpretation of legislation.