The Defence Secretary, John Healey, has acknowledged that he underpaid council tax on his London residence due to an error by Westminster City Council. Reports indicate that he owed approximately £1,500 in additional tax that became due following the introduction of a second home council tax surcharge in April.
According to The Telegraph, Mr. Healey typically should have paid around £3,000 annually to the council for his rented property. Instead, he only paid half this amount. The discrepancy was rectified after the matter was brought to his attention on Thursday.
Council Acknowledges Mistake
Mr. Healey attributed the underpayment to an “administrative error” on the part of the local authority. Westminster City Council has since confirmed that it issued an incorrect tax notice and has apologised for the oversight. A spokesperson for the Defence Secretary stated that Mr. Healey had “fulfilled all his obligations” by declaring the flat as a second home on the necessary paperwork upon moving in.
The council tax due, including the surcharge for second homes, has now been paid in full. Members of Parliament representing areas outside London, such as Mr. Healey, who serves the constituency of Rawmarsh and Conisbrough in South Yorkshire, are permitted to claim expenses for renting second homes, which includes council tax.
Response from Westminster City Council
A source close to the Cabinet minister emphasized that Mr. Healey had acted in good faith by paying the tax notice he received. In response to the situation, a spokesperson for Mr. Healey remarked, “The Secretary of State fulfilled all his obligations as a tenant by notifying Westminster Council of the second home status of the tenancy on the council tax registration form when the tenancy began.”
Westminster City Council reiterated that Mr. Healey completed the registration form correctly, indicating the property as a second home. The council acknowledged its oversight that resulted in the property not being classified correctly for council tax purposes, thus leading to the issuance of an incorrect notice. A spokesperson stated, “We apologise for the error.”
This incident highlights the importance of accurate record-keeping by local authorities, especially in the context of tax obligations affecting public officials. The resolution of this matter has been expedited, with all outstanding payments now settled.
