Council Tax Theft

shemeatra

I am retired and live in the South East. I have an empty property in the Midlands which has been empty for more than two years. The local authority has now informed me that instead of paying 50% council tax, I will now have to pay 150%. It was my intention to sell the property I live in and move to the other house when circumstances permitted.
Can anyone suggest any snags that I could encounter if I now move in to this second property and claim it as my main residence thus avoiding the 50% levy?
I understand that I need to be living in my present abode when I come to sell it as my main residence thus avoiding Capital Gains Tax so how long would I need to live in my second home before reverting back to the present set-up and still avoid the 50% levy on houses empty for more than two years?

CIS

Can anyone suggest any snags that I could encounter if I now move in to this second property and claim it as my main residence thus avoiding the 50% levy?

You would need to demonstrate the property is your 'sole or main residence'. The council could rightfully refuse to treat it as such if they believe it isn't and you would then have a right to appeal to a valuation tribunal if the council refuse to accept it.

Leaving a property with the intention to return to live in it again at a future date would generally mean that the property remained your 'sole or main residence'.

still avoid the 50% levy on houses empty for more than two years?

As long as it is substantially furnished the 50% levy does not apply.

shemeatra

CIS'
Thanks for the advice. I have informed the council of my intentions to furnish the property and use it and they informed me that they will reconsider after I tell them it is furnished.