Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Defence Secretary John Healey Pays Full Council Tax After Westminster Error

Westminster Council has apologised for misclassifying the property, prompting opponents to seek clarity on his handling of the incorrect bill.

Overview

  • A new second-home surcharge lifted the annual bill for the Westminster flat to £2,938, but he was billed at roughly half that rate for this tax year.
  • Healey paid the outstanding liability, including the surcharge, on Thursday after The Telegraph contacted him about the underpayment.
  • His office says he declared the flat as a second home when the tenancy began and that he met all obligations as a tenant.
  • Westminster City Council attributes the shortfall to an administrative oversight that led to an incorrect council tax notice and has issued an apology.
  • Conservative and Reform UK figures criticised the episode as double standards and urged Healey to explain what he knew and when.