Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions consultation

NWLDC is currently consulting on proposals for changes regarding council tax premiums and discounts. We would welcome your comments and insights on these proposals.

The details of the consultation can be found at the following link https://www.nwleics.gov.uk/emptyhomesurvey However the details are summarised below:

Proposal 1

Second homes
People who have a second home* that is furnished but unoccupied would pay double council tax from the point they own the property.

*a second home is a house that is furnished but not used as someone's main residence.
What currently happens?
People who own second homes that are furnished and unoccupied pay the standard rate of council tax.

Proposal 2

Major repairs
People who are doing major repairs* to an empty property would pay full council tax.

*major repairs means the property is unoccupied, substantially unfurnished and requiring or undergoing significant structural alterations or major repair.
What currently happens?
People who are doing major repairs to empty properties receive 50% discount on their council tax for up to six months.

Proposal 3

Empty properties

People who own a property that is unoccupied and substantially unfurnished would pay full council tax from the point they own the property.

What currently happens?
People who own an unoccupied and unfurnished property pay no council tax for one month.

Proposal 4

Empty Properties

People who own a property that is empty, will pay more depending on how long the property has been unoccupied and unfurnished. If the property is empty between 1 and 5 years, they will pay double the amount of Council Tax. Between 5 and 10 years, they will pay 3 times as much and if it is empty for more than 10 years, they will pay 4 times as much.

What currently happens?

If its empty between 2 and 5 years, a 50% premium is applied. If it's between 5 and 10 years, they pay double the amount of the standard council tax rate. If the property is empty for 10 years or more, they pay 3 times as much in council tax for the property.