Council Tax - Exempt?

tonyefc1

Hi All

I am currently renovating my house and as a consequence have moved out. I have contacted the council to see if i would be able to claim exemption for Council Tax.

They have advised me that under normal circumstances i would be able to claim full exemption for up to six months however as a previous owner has already claimed for this previously i cannot make a claim on the same house.

Is this correct as it seems unfair!

CIS

The 6 month exemption would be Class C (empty and substantially unfurnished) however this exemption is awarded on the property , not the owner, and therefore can only be awarded once.(unless there is a 6 week gap).

Depending on the work being done a Class A exemption may be applicable (regardless of the fact the Class C has already been given) - what work in being undertaken ?

tonyefc1

Hi

thanks for the response.

The house is being completely stripped and the internal layout changed, so no Kitchen /Bathroom for two months at least. There is currently no furniture etc in as there will be works on all rooms in the house. I plan to have all the works completed in approx 6 months and move in then. I bought the house in may last year and been saving for the renovation. The house had been empty for twelve months before i bought it.

Thanks for your advice

CIS

You should easily be able to qualify for a Class A exemption but you need to speak to the council as they each have different routes of application, some will take an application form as proof others will want to send out an inspector.

duncancrook

CIS wrote: »

You should easily be able to qualify for a Class A exemption but you need to speak to the council as they each have different routes of application, some will take an application form as proof others will want to send out an inspector.

I have similar issue. I managed to get Class A exemption for major works for 12 months. Following compeltion of works the property was then left unoccupied and unfurnished (and due to a dreadful service by British Gas, unheated) for four months before it was rented out. I have sought empty property relief for the period but the Local Authority has replied that legislation prohibits class C exemption from following class A exemption. Do you have any idea if this is correct?

mollymoo12

Yes that is correct under your circumstances as both exemptions require the property to be empy and unfurnished so Class C applied at the same time as Class A and therefore the Class C had already expired by the time the Class A also came to an end.

CIS

The wording of the Class C exemption is that it can be claimed for a maximum of 6 months from the date the property became empty and unfurnished - in your case the property has been empty and unfurnished for 12 months so the council are correct in stating that you are not entitled.