Council Tax Premium for empty properties
Last Updated: 17 April 2023
In the Westmorland and Furness Council area, properties left empty for more than 2 years will be subject to a Council Tax Premium, meaning that for these properties, the liable person will pay an additional charge on top of their normal Council Tax.
The following council tax premium charges will apply on long term empty properties from the dates specified:
| Duration properties have been empty | Previous premium | New premium | Date of effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Properties empty between 2 and 5 years | 100% premium payable | 200% Council Tax in total payable | With effect from 1 April 2023 |
| Properties empty between 5 and 10 years | 200% premium payable | 300% Council Tax in total payable | With effect from 1 April 2023 |
| Properties empty more than 10 years | 300% premium payable | 400% Council Tax in total payable | With effect from 1 April 2024 |
Apply for an exception to the Council Tax Premium
Council Tax Premium policy guidelines for determining local exceptions (PDF 147KB / 3 pages)
Apply for an exception to the Council Tax Premium (PDF 169KB / 3 pages)
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill is currently going through parliament and it includes proposals to allow the introduction of a new council tax premium on empty homes after they have been unoccupied for one year.
Westmorland and Furness Council has agreed to introduce this premium from 1 April 2024, should the legislation pass.
We will provide further information about this premium and how it will be applied, when the legislation is passed.