Empty Property Premium Exemptions Application

Entries marked with * are mandatory.

Since 2013, councils have had considerable discretion over the levels of Council Tax payable on substantially unfurnished empty properties (referred to as long term empty properties) and more recently regarding the amount charged on empty furnished properties (referred to as second homes).

We have used the available discretion for both types of empty properties in an attempt to bring them back into use and reduce the shortage of housing in the borough. We have done this by introducing an empty property premium charge on these types of domestic properties.

From 1st April 2025, the Government introduced limited exemptions to the premium.

The following form has been created to allow customers to apply for a Council Tax empty property premium exemption.

You can find out more information regarding the exemptions by visiting our Empty Properties Page.

You will need your Council Tax account number to complete this form, which can be found on the front of your bill, along with any relevant supporting evidence.