Your Three Rivers - Flipbook - Page 4
EMPTY HOMES
What is empty homes premium?
The government is keen to ensure that dwellings do not remain unoccupied or unused for extensive periods.
Unfortunately, it remains the case that nationally, a distressing number of dwellings are being left empty at a
time when there is an overall housing shortage. There are currently 165 properties across our district which
have been unoccupied for more than one year.
Therefore, to encourage home owners to bring properties back into use, a council tax premium will be charged
on empty homes after a set period of time.
In addition to normal council charges, the further premium charges apply:
• 100% after 2 years
• 200% after 5 years
• 300% after 10+ years
DISCOUNTS AND EXEMPTION CHANGES
You must tell us within 21 days about anything that could affect an exemption or discount you receive. If you
fail to tell us in this timescale, you may be subject to a penalty.
I live on my own, am I
entitled to a discount?
Your council tax bill assumes two adults
are living in your household.
Sometimes you can still claim a single
person discount even if other people
live with you. This happens when the
other person or people who live in the
household are disregarded or
aren’t counted.
People with disabilities
You may be entitled to pay less council tax if you
or someone who lives with you has a room or extra
space, or an extra bathroom or kitchen, or uses a
wheelchair in your property, to meet special needs
relating to a disability.
This means that if you have a disability you might not
have to pay more council tax for the extra space you
need. If approved, the band of your property will be
reduced to the band below your current band.
SEVERELY MENTALLY IMPARED (SMI)
If you or someone in your property has a severe mental impairment that affects their day-to-day function, you
may be eligible for a council tax reduction.
Find out more and apply:
Please visit our website for the full list of discounts and exemptions available
www.threerivers.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-reductions-discounts-exemptions
WHAT IS COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION
If you are struggling to pay your council tax bill due to a low income, you may be entitled to help through
council tax reduction. If you have any change of circumstances, you must contact the council within four weeks
of the change.
Apply online at www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/bene昀椀ts-昀椀nancial-support/council-tax-support
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