Tax hike for second and empty homes

Owners of second and empty homes will no longer get a discount on their council tax.

The Local Government Finance Act 2012 which came into effect on 1st November 2012, granted local authorities greater flexibility over certain discounts and exemptions that they may apply for second homes and certain empty properties in their local area - allowing them to set their own levels and the time periods which apply.

As a result, Cheshire East Council, which is under pressure to save money, has decided to axe discounts so owners of second homes and properties which have been empty long term will have to pay the full rate.

From 1st April 2013, the Council has abolished the current six and twelve month exemptions for unoccupied properties which are undergoing repair or major structural alteration (Class A) and the six month exemption for unoccupied and unfurnished homes (Class C).

Cheshire East Council has also decided to charge full Council Tax on second homes, which currently receive a 10% discount, and levy an 'Empty Property Premium' of 50% on properties that have been continuously unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for more than two years, which means they will be subject to a 150% Council Tax charge.

The Council has decided to allow a 100% discount for up to eight weeks for private landlords, to enable them to maintain property standards. This discount will not be awarded automatically, landlords will need to submit a claim.

Tags:
Cheshire East Council, Council Tax
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Comments

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Vin Sumner
Monday 4th February 2013 at 11:32 pm
Good on you