Defence Secretary John Healey has admitted to underpaying £1,500 in council tax on his central London flat — blaming an “administrative error” by Westminster City Council. The 65-year-old Labour MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough sorted the outstanding bill the very day reporters flagged the issue, November 20, 2025.
Half Tax Paid on Band G Flat in London’s Priciest Bracket
Healey’s underpayment relates to the 2025/26 tax year. Instead of paying the full £2,938, he forked out only half, leaving a balance of £1,469 plus minor fees. His flat is classified as Band G – Westminster’s top tax bracket for second homes. That means a hefty 200% premium under the Levelling Up Act 2023, which kicked in April 2025.
The flat is used as a base while Parliament is in session, making it a second home and subject to the steep premium.
Select Committee Rips Labour’s ‘Hypocrisy’ Over Tax
The mix-up happened because Westminster City Council sent wrong bills, prompting Healey to pay less than he owed. “This was due to an error in the council’s billing system, which John fixed straight away once informed,” said a Healey spokesperson.
Opposition MPs weren’t buying it. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch slammed the underpayment as “hypocritical,” citing Labour’s recent crackdowns on second-home owners and property tax hikes to fund social housing.
No punishment has been handed out since this is classed as an administrative slip-up, not wilful tax dodge.
Council Tax Chaos in London as New Premiums Confuse Thousands
Westminster Council, under Labour control since May 2025, has raked in £20m extra through the new premiums but faces over 5,000 appeals from property owners disputing bills. The billing chaos reflects a system struggling to handle major changes that double taxes on empty and second homes to tackle London’s housing crisis.
Healey’s case underscores wider headaches as councils battle to implement different premium rates across the UK — with Wales hiking by 100% and Scotland slapping on a massive 300% surcharge.
No Foul Play – Just a Warning on Tax Tech
Healey promptly cleared his dues without fuss, stressing his long history of on-time tax payments. His office said: “John has always paid fully and promptly. This was a council blunder, now fixed.”
The incident isn’t unique. A 2025 National Audit Office report found 10% of council tax bills have errors due to system glitches or misclassification.
Healey’s swift action shows ministerial sensitivity around tax issues — especially as Labour pushes for council tax revaluation, the first since 1991, amid fierce political debates on property wealth.
Westminster Council declined to comment on Healey’s case due to confidentiality but admitted ongoing challenges with the new billing system.
As Labour races ahead with tax reforms to tackle housing shortages, Healey’s billing blunder serves as a cautionary tale. The fight against absentee landlords and property hoarding remains popular — but the tax tech must catch up first.
