Councils have changed the exemption relief on empty properties, here is a list of the local councils around our area and there charges.
Liverpool Council
Will now only giving up to 2 months exemption for the property being empty, followed by zero reduction for up to 2 years. This means, once you’ve received 2 months exemption, then you will not be able to claim for the next exemption for a further 2 years.
Sefton Council
Empty properties will no longer be exempt from payment for the first 6 months. Instead, an exemption will be allowed for one month, then a charge of 50% of the Council tax will be payable for the next 5 months. After this period, the full council tax becomes payable
Knowsley Council
Under the new arrangements, there will be no period of exemption, and the empty property charge could become payable from the first day the property becomes vacant, at the full council tax charge. However, the Government has given local authorities discretion to award discounts on empty properties, the cost of which is borne locally. The Council has introduced one month’s full discount, followed by a 100% charge on empty properties.
Owners of vacant and unfurnished properties will therefore have nothing to pay for the first month they are vacant. After this time, they will be charged at the full council tax level. Properties that require major repairs will be charged at the full council tax level from the date they become vacant
