Angela Rayner Faces Scrutiny Over Council Tax Payments on Residence

Angela Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is under renewed scrutiny regarding her housing arrangements, particularly concerning council tax payments on her grace-and-favour property at Admiralty House. This scrutiny follows allegations that she attempted to evade her council tax surcharge on the residence, which has raised questions about her financial responsibilities while in office.

In April 2025, Westminster Council introduced a 100 percent council tax surcharge on second homes, a decision made under Rayner’s previous department. As a result, her annual bill of £2,034 for Admiralty House should have been doubled. The issue gained traction when Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake reached out to Rayner to clarify whether she regarded Admiralty House as her primary or secondary residence. At that time, she was still residing part-time in her constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne while finalizing a purchase of a flat in Hove.

Following Hollinrake’s inquiry, Rayner reportedly informed him that her council tax obligations were “properly discharged.” However, it was not until June 2025, after being contacted by The Mail on Sunday, that the situation surrounding her tax payments came to light. The publication’s report on June 8 raised concerns about her housing arrangements, prompting further investigation.

The Cabinet Office later confirmed that Admiralty House had been designated a secondary residence. In a statement on October 21, 2025, it revealed that the second home premium had been fully paid in a single payment made in July 2025. Notably, the Cabinet Office stated that Westminster Council was not informed of the residence’s status until May 2025, which has led to accusations of a cover-up.

In a letter to Labour leader Keir Starmer, Hollinrake claimed that new evidence indicated that Rayner had breached the law while serving as a minister and misled Parliament. He asserted that the tax premium was payable from April 1, 2025, and emphasized that council tax bills are issued in March, requiring upfront payment. Hollinrake criticized the delayed payment, stating, “A taxpayer cannot just choose to pay their bill months later,” suggesting that the payment made in July was an attempt to retroactively address the oversight.

Rayner’s supporters have countered the allegations, asserting that the Government is responsible for coordinating with Westminster Council regarding council tax payments for Admiralty House. A source close to Rayner stated that she acted in accordance with her responsibilities and that there was no indication of wrongdoing on her part.

A Government spokesperson reiterated that the responsibility for paying the council tax on Admiralty House lay with the Government, following established practices from previous administrations. As calls for accountability grow, the situation continues to develop, with Rayner reportedly planning a political comeback amid the controversy.