annexe council tax

elliskj

We bought a hose 18 yrs ago and converted the double garage for family abroad to stay in when they visited.  It is no longer needed for that purpose, but my elderly mum has been diagnosed with dementia and may need it in the near future.  I have been charged the second home council tax for it which equates to over £3k a year.  This is unmanageable for a space that is not in use at the moment.  I am reluctant to remove the toilet or fridge etc in case mum moves in.  Any ideas?  Not sure what to do.  Wondered about letting my son (20) live in there....that may get a discount, but would it remove the second home charge?

Bookworm105

until you remove the features which make it a self contained dwelling with its own council tax rating you cannot avoid paying council tax on it. Removing a fridge does not define it as no longer self contained. You need to apply to the VOAS to have the annex reassessed. They, not your council, make the decision and they do so on the basis of does it have facilities which allow it to be used as a self contained dwelling: yes/no.

this is a popular topic discussed on here many times
Removing Council Tax on an Annex — MoneySavingExpert Forum

it cannot be incurring a "second home" additional premium rate charge on it, you are misusing the wording.
How Council Tax works: Second homes and empty properties - GOV.UK

FlorayG

Are the two classed as completely separate dwellings with their own council tax banding? Their separate gas and electric supply?If so then removing anything from the building will make no difference to the council tax required.

elliskj

Its a converted garage next to the house.  Has its own council tax bill but electricity etc is not separate

Bookworm105

elliskj said:

Its a converted garage next to the house.  Has its own council tax bill but electricity etc is not separate

so you need to make it incapable of self contained living as explained in other thread and apply to have it amalgamated into the existing house's banding

lincroft1710

If your son lives there then he becomes responsible for paying CT and should get 25% Single Person Discount.

But also see here

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/paying-the-right-level-of-council-tax-a-plain-english-guide-to-council-tax/paying-the-right-level-of-council-tax-a-plain-english-guide-to-council-tax

"Annexes: Family discount

Annexes to homes are generally subject to a separate Council Tax bill. However, if you have an annexe to your home you may be able to obtain a 50% discount on your Council Tax bill for the annexe if you are using the annexe as part of your main home.

If you live in an annexe as your main home, you may get a 50% discount on your Council Tax bill if you are a relative of the person who is responsible for paying Council Tax on the main property".