Definition of unfurnished property

Hopesaver

My son has a one-bed flat which we are just starting to refurbish (new kitchen, new bathroom, central heating) . However he has purchased a pair of small settees and a computer table in a recent sale which have been delivered to the property. They are still wrapped up. He has been told by friends that with these in the property, it will be regarded by our council (Nottingham) as furnished and thus will not be entitled to exemption while we carry out the work. I can't find any definition of what "unfurnished" means in council tax terms. Does anyone know?

missile

It is usually taken to mean empty appart from white goods i.e. no furniture. However one could certainly argue that, if it has no useable kitchen or bathroom. In any event it is accademic as it is doubtful that the council will come round to check, unless someone tells them.

CIS

If your looking for a Class A for a refurb then furniture doesn't come in to , what is looked at is whether the work causes the property to be uninhabitable whilst the work in being undertaken.

Furniture would come in to it only if you where looking for a Class C - empty and substantially unfurnished.

Hopesaver

The refurbishment is only just starting, but we could start dismembering the kitchen and bathroom now (even though my son can't afford the replacements yet!) if this would improve his case.
The council is intending to send an inspector round to assess the exemption request, so we need to know the best way to handle it before he comes (date not yet fixed).

CIS

Effectively the less habitable the property the stronger your case although if your just starting the work and give the inspector a list of the work being undertaken then there shouldn't be a problem.