Council Tax Exemption

jrcocio

My girlfriend and I have recently bought a house. We are first time buyers so are still living elsewhere whilst we decorate and furnish etc. We applied to the council for an exemption from council tax. However the 6 month exemption period has already been used up by the previous owner as he had the place unfurnished so we are liable to pay 50% council tax.

Does anyone have any experience of registering for full council tax for a couple of days/weeks, then re-applying for the exemption so that the history of the 6 month period is cleared and a fresh 6 month period of council tax exemption can start?

Thanks.

molerat

You need to occupy it or leave furnished unoccupied for 6 weeks I believe. If you go this way I think the council will want to see proof.

CIS

You need to occupy it or leave furnished unoccupied for 6 weeks I believe. If you go this way I think the council will want to see proof.

Your correct there needs to be a 6 week break - whether it needs to be occupied or just partially furnished is an ongoing debate and different councils interpret it slightly differently.