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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to created a deferment scheme for council tax.

Local councils are responsible for the administration of council tax and they have discretionary powers to agree on alternative payment plans including deferrals. The department encourages taxpayers in hardship to contact their local authority to discuss their individual circumstances. The department currently has no plans to introduce a council tax deferral scheme.

On 26 November, the Chancellor announced the introduction of a High Value Council Tax Surcharge. There will be a support scheme in place for those who cannot pay. The Government will consult on options for support or deferral.