Exemptions, Discounts and Premiums for empty and occupied properties

Apply for an empty property discount (Please note that some of our discount scheme has changed from 01 April 2019)

Discount (Class D) for a property undergoing structural alterations or major repair

Empty and unfurnished properties undergoing or in need of structural repair or alteration to make them habitable are entitled to a 100% discount for up to 6 months. After the discount period has expired the full council tax will become due and payable.

From 1st April 2020 this discount will no longer be available.

Please click here to apply for a Class D discount

Discount (Class C) for a property that is unoccupied and unfurnished

Empty unfurnished properties and empty caravans are entitled to a 100% discount for up to one month. This also applies to newly built properties for up to one month after they are completed as long as no-one lives there and they remain unfurnished.

Please click here to apply for a Class C discount

Long Term Empty Premium

If a property has remained empty and unfurnished for a period in excess of 2 years the following premium charges will become applicable:

From 1^st April 2019 - Properties empty for 2 year or more - 100% premium
From 1^st April 2020 - Properties empty for 2 years to 5 years - 100% premium
Properties empty for 5 years or more - 200% premium
From 1^st April 2021 - Properties empty for 2 years to 5 years - 100% premium
Properties empty for 5 years to 10 years - 200% premium
Properties empty for 10 years or more - 300% premium

Please note that if your circumstances change you must tell us within 21 days. Failure to do so may result in you being issued with a £70 Penalty.

Exemptions from Council Tax - no charge to pay

Circumstances in which exemptions apply

Exemptions from Council Tax apply in the following circumstances:-

pdf icon Unoccupied and owned by a charity [44kb]

pdf icon Empty due to person being in prison [83kb]

pdf icon Empty due to person having gone to live in a care home [43kb]

pdf icon Empty due to person having gone to live in a hospital [84kb]

pdf icon Council Tax payer has died leaving the property empty [83kb]

pdf icon Occupation is prohibited by law [44kb]

pdf icon Empty property held for a minister of religion [38kb]

pdf icon Person living elsewhere to receive personal care (leaving property empty) [37kb]

pdf icon Person living elsewhere to provide personal care (leaving property empty) [37kb]

pdf icon Property left empty by a student [42kb]

pdf icon Mortgage lender in possession of property [84kb]

pdf icon Students halls of residence [44kb]

pdf icon Property occupied only by students [40kb]

pdf icon Forces accomodation [38kb]

pdf icon Visiting Forces accomodation [38kb]

pdf icon Property left empty by a bankrupt person [83kb]

pdf icon Unoccupied caravan pitch or boat mooring [38kb]

pdf icon Property occupied only by persons under 18 years of age [36kb]

pdf icon Property occupied only by severely mentally impaired person(s) [43kb]

pdf icon Main residence of a person with diplomatic privilege or immunity [39kb]

pdf icon Occupied granny annexe to an occupied property [42kb]

To apply for an exemption under these rules complete the relevant application form.

Then return the form to us:

Email - scan it and send it to us at council.tax@torridge.gov.uk
Post it to the Council Tax Team, Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG

After you've applied for the exemption

You must continue to pay the instalments shown on your Council Tax bill until you hear from us.

We periodically check accounts that have been granted discounts and exemptions. If we contact you to review your exemption and we don't hear back from you, we will cancel it.

You must tell us if there is a change in your circumstances that may affect your exemption. If you don't tell us you may have to pay a penalty.