Changes from 1 April 2021 Onwards
Below is a list of the current empty property charges
| Length of Time | Charge |
|---|---|
| 0-28 days | 0 charge |
| 29 days up to 2 years | 100% charge |
| From 2 years up to 5 years | a long term empty premium of 100% is applied on top of the 100% charge therefore the council tax payable is 200% |
| From 5 years up to 10 years | a long term empty premium of 200% is applied on top of the 100% charge therefore the council tax payable is 300% |
| From 10 years onwards | a long term empty premium of 300% is applied on top of the 100% charge therefore the council tax payable is 400% |
Properties which are unoccupied and unfurnished and are undergoing or require major work or structural
A property which is unoccupied, unfurnished and in need of major or structural repairs to make it habitable, can receive a 100% property discount for a maximum period of 12 months.
The following list of works will not qualify for the discount:
- Replacement, refurbishment or modernisation of a kitchen, bathroom or toilet or any other fixtures/fittings
- Rewiring
- Timber or damp proof treatments
- Replastering (walls or ceilings)
- Drainage
- Repairs or renewals of services
- Maintenance, i.e. re-pointing, windows and/or doors replacement
- Redecoration
- Plumbing or heating
In order for the discount to be considered, we will need to be provided with documentary evidence of the work required or being carried out to make the property habitable.
Evidence must include a full schedule of works to be carried out and contract invoices. Photographs may be submitted as additional information only.
Second homes - the definition of a second home is a dwelling that is not a person’s sole or main residence and is substantially furnished.
A 100% charge as there is no discount available on second homes.
Changes from 1 April 2020
For properties which have been unoccupied and unfurnished for 5 years or more, the premium will be 200%, meaning the charge will be 300% of the normal liability.
Unoccupied and unfurnished properties will be entitled to 28 days 100% discount followed by a full charge. (Where a property has been unoccupied and unfurnished for 28 days or more at 1 April 2020, the full council tax charge will be payable from that date).
Changes from 1 April 2019
Under the provisions of the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) Act 2018, the government has amended the legislation which allows local authorities to charge an extra premium on properties which have been unoccupied and unfurnished for more than 2 years. The legislation allows the local authority to charge a premium of up to 100% from 1 April 2019.
Stafford Borough Council has determined that, from 1 April 2019, the additional premium on long term empty properties will be 100%.
This means that, where a domestic property remains unoccupied and unfurnished for a period of over 2 years, then the charge will be 200% of the normal liability.
Changes from 1 April 2013
The Local Government Finance Act 2012 came into force in October 2012, which allowed changes to the regulations in respect of certain Council Tax discounts and exemptions. These changes allowed Local Authorities to adapt these discounts and exemptions to an amount which is set locally by Council.
From 1 April 2013, the changes affecting Stafford Borough Council were as follows:
- Unoccupied and unfurnished domestic properties are entitled to 28 days 100% discount followed by a full charge.
- Furnished unoccupied properties or second homes, where continuous occupancy for 28 days or more is not prohibited will be liable for the 100% charge.