Empty Property Discount
From 1 April 2013 the six-month exemption for empty properties (class "C") no longer applies. This was replaced by a 100% discount which may be awarded for a maximum period of three months from the date a property becomes unoccupied and substantially unfurnished.
This discount is awarded against the property, and it is not affected by changes in ownership or responsibility. If you become responsible for a property on which an unoccupied and unfurnished discount has already been awarded, only the remainder of the three-month period can be granted. If you become responsible for a property which has been unoccupied and unfurnished longer than three months, the discount will already have expired, and a full Council Tax charge will be payable.
Examples below:-
Property unoccupied and unfurnished from 1 March 2013:
Class C exemption awarded for period 1 March 2013 - 31 March 2013
100% discount awarded for period 1 April 2013 - 31 May 2013
Property purchased 1 May 2013 - unoccupied and unfurnished since 1 April 2013:
Previous owner 100% discount 1 April 2013 - 30 April 2013
New owner 100% discount 1 May 2013 - 30 June 2013
Once the three-month discount has ended the full charge will be due. Properties that remain unoccupied and unfurnished may attract a 100% premium after two years, which will increase to 200% after five years and 300% after ten years.
Please use the online application to apply for the discount.