Just found out that I have to pay council tax on an empty, unfurnished property

in Barnsley, despite beng non-resident of the UK and not even having a kitchen currently installed.

Yay Labour!

 

I think you can get an exemption for a period of time if it is under development.

 

Always been the case hasn't it. Think you get 6 months grace and if still empty it's 50%.

 

Tax dodger!! :biggrin:

 

There is a certain irony to somebody who regularly joins in the berating of tax evaders on here now complaining about having to pay a tax.

 

Just been stung by this myself. All council tax discounts removed by BMBC.

Thankfully got some new tenants today.

 

The 25% single occupancy discount is still available, but the empty home and second home 50% discounts have been removed.

As someone else said, I thinkg there's an exemption if a property is being done up in preparation for selling or letting.

 

What on earth are you talking about?

 

I heard a similar grip recently in my local. Someone bemoaning paying full council tax on a cottage in Cornwall that they only use 2 months of the year. A property that ethically should be occupied all year round by locals.

 

According to the nice lady that I spoke it's only if it's undergoing major restructural work. Which it isn't.

I'm not tht bothered really, just wanted to spark a political post for once!

 

Are you suggesting that I should pay council tax for services that I don't use? Fecking leftie!

 

I object to paying a thousand quid a month rent, when folk own more than one house!! Redstar, tell 'em!!

 

Going through the exact same thing in Watford! Renovating the place at the moment - but not living in it. Still having to pay council tax

 

Nope, definitely not. In fact, I think they should pay you.

 

I have the same thing too

with my hunting lodge in Scotland and my beach side cottage in Cornwall. Glad they cannot touch me for my Ski Chalet in the Alps.

 

That's what you get for turning your back on Yorkshire!

(This is fun).

Although in my defence I spend almost half my time working away from home and my mrs and little girl, I'm literally at work 7 days a week, and yes I do now pay tax in the UK again. So I sacrifice a lot and work hard for the little I've managed to gain in life. And I've been royally ****** by several tenants over the years in damages and unpaid rent to the tune of thousands upon thousands. You don't get owt for nowt - unless your Barnsley Council...

 

Post of the year!

 

Don't know how long your house has been empty but under the new rules thay could ask you to pay 150% of the council tax once it's been empty for 2 years.

 

My Grandfather has just moved into a care home. His house is now empty. Not only does he still have to pay council tax, but he is no longer entitled to his single person discount - so he's paying more now than when he was living in it.

 

I had a tenant until 29th April. I'm moving in once the rennovations are done in a few weeks.