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 1st April 2019 - Properties empty for 2 year or more - 100% premium
From 1st April 2020 - Properties empty for 2 years to 5 years - 100% premium
Properties empty for 5 years or more - 200% premium
From 1st 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:-
Unoccupied and owned by a charity [44kb]
Empty due to person being in prison [83kb]
Empty due to person having gone to live in a care home [43kb]
Empty due to person having gone to live in a hospital [84kb]
Council Tax payer has died leaving the property empty [83kb]
Occupation is prohibited by law [44kb]
Empty property held for a minister of religion [38kb]
Person living elsewhere to receive personal care (leaving property empty) [88kb]
Person living elsewhere to provide personal care (leaving property empty) [37kb]
Property left empty by a student [42kb]
Mortgage lender in possession of property [84kb]
Students halls of residence [44kb]
Property occupied only by students [40kb]
Visiting Forces accomodation [38kb]
Property left empty by a bankrupt person [83kb]
Unoccupied caravan pitch or boat mooring [38kb]
Property occupied only by persons under 18 years of age [36kb]
Property occupied only by severely mentally impaired person(s) [182kb]
Main residence of a person with diplomatic privilege or immunity [39kb]
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.
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