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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the time period for exemption from Council Tax for retirement properties left vacant after death of their owner.

Where a dwelling is left empty following the passing of the occupant, the dwelling will be exempt from council tax until probate is granted or letters of administration are signed. A further six months exemption is available so long as the dwelling remains empty and has not been transferred or sold to a new owner. The government does not have any plans to change this exemption.