Council Tax exemptions
Exempt properties
Council Tax is not payable on some properties. There are different types or classes of exemption.
No reduction applies to second homes, which is furnished property not occupied by anyone as their sole or main home. This means that a full charge is payable in respect of second homes.
Exemption classes
Classes
Definition
B
Unoccupied property owned and last used by a charity (exempt for up to six months)
D
Unoccupied property which was the home of someone who has gone into prison (except for not paying council tax or a fine)
E
Property left unoccupied by someone who has moved permanently to receive care in a hospital or a residential home
F
Unoccupied property waiting for probate or letters of administration to be granted. This exemption applies from the date a property becomes unoccupied on the sole occupier having passed away, up until the grant of probate and applies for up to six months, provided the property remains unoccupied
G
Property which is unoccupied because its occupation is forbidden by law
H
Property which is unoccupied and waiting to be occupied by a minister of religion
I
Property left unoccupied by someone who has moved into another residence (not a residential home or hospital) to receive personal care
J
Property left unoccupied by someone who has moved elsewhere in order to provide personal care to another person
K
Unoccupied property where the person liable is a student who last lived in the dwelling as their main home and became a full-time student within six weeks of leaving the property. The exemption ends when the person ceases to be a student
L
Unoccupied property which has been repossessed by the loan provider (mortgagee)
M
Student halls of residence
N
Property occupied only by students
O
UK armed forces accommodation owned by the Secretary of State for Defence
P
Property occupied by visiting forces
Q
Unoccupied property where the person liable is a bankrupt's trustee
R
A pitch or a mooring which is not occupied by a caravan or a boat
S
Property occupied only by persons aged under 18
T
Unoccupied property forming part of another premises, which cannot be rented out separately, without planning permission
U
Properties occupied by the mentally impaired or shared by the mentally impaired and students. (Note this exemption does not apply where liability falls on a non-resident owner)
V
Property which is a foreign diplomat’s residence
W
An annex occupied by a dependent relative (aged 65 or over, severely mentally impaired or disabled)
If you think your property may be exempt, visit the Town Hall, call 01293 438616 or email the Council Tax team.
A brief inspection may be necessary before any exemption can be considered.