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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department advises councils to undertake an economic or housing market impact assessment prior to implementing (a) empty or (b) second home premiums on council tax.

The government does not prescribe any specific impact assessments that should be undertaken when councils decide to charge council tax premiums. However, we have published guidance setting out some of the steps they should take. This includes making an assessment of impacts on the local population, its communities, and the local economy. Councils are required to have regard to this guidance, which is available here.