Council Tax exemptions

Some dwellings are exempt from Council Tax. Below are examples of some of the classes of exempt property (this is not the complete list).

A dwelling that is unoccupied may be exempt from Council Tax if:

  • it is substantially unfurnished (exempt for up to six months)

  • it requires or is undergoing major repairs to make it habitable or it is undergoing structural alterations and it is substantially unfurnished (exempt for up to 12 months)

  • it is owned by a charity (exempt for up to six months)

  • the previous occupier now lives in a nursing home, care home or hospital

  • the previous occupier has moved to give or receive personal care

  • the previous occupier is in detention

  • it has been repossessed under a mortgage

  • it is prevented in law from being occupied

  • it is the responsibility of a trustee in bankruptcy

  • it is awaiting occupation by a minister of religion

  • the previous occupier is deceased (exempt for up to six months after probate is granted)

  • it cannot be let separately from a main dwelling (e.g. granny flats)

A dwelling that is occupied may be exempt from Council Tax if:

  • all the residents are students

  • all the residents are severely mentally impaired

  • all the residents are under 18 years old

  • it is an annexe that is occupied by an elderly or disabled relative of the occupier of the main dwelling

Full details of all exempt classes are available from the Revenues Section.
Last Updated: 27/04/2009