Reductions and extra charges
The standard Council Tax charge for a property is based on the property being occupied as a main residence by two adults.
If there is only one adult occupying the property as a main residence, or some or all of the adults living in the property are disregarded (not counted) for Council Tax purposes, you may be able to get a reduction in your charge.
In some cases, you may not have to pay any Council Tax at all.
Find out about Council Tax discounts and exemptions.
If a property is empty (nobody is living in it as their main home), you will usually be required to pay the full Council Tax charge for it unless it meets the criteria for an empty property discount or exemption.
Find out about property discounts and exemptions.
Extra charges for empty properties
If a property has been unoccupied and unfurnished for more than 12 months, you will have to pay a long-term empty home premium in addition to the full Council Tax charge. The premium starts at an extra 100% charge and increases the longer the property is empty.
If a property is unoccupied and furnished, you will have to pay a second home premium in addition to the full Council Tax charge. This premium is an extra 100% charge and is charged as soon as the property becomes empty.
Some properties are excluded from the long-term empty home and second home premiums. This includes all properties that qualify for a discount or exemption, and properties which qualify for an exception to the additional charge.