Council Tax increase on empty homes

[charitynjw]

Hi all

I'm a co-executor for my late brother's estate.
Probate was granted yonks ago.
His house has been on the market for almost 2 years, but no joy! (I blame Brexit, myself!)

Some councils seem to just carry on the 'after 6 month' rule as the house is empty due to bereavement.

I've been onto my LA's website, but they don't mention anything specific about this, & the implication seems to be that the hike will apply.

Does anyone know what the score is?
Do different LAs have different 'rules?

From reading about this, the 'empty home' hike is 50% (& possibly going up to 300% in the future).

[lgfa92]

Once probate has been granted then a further 6 month class f exemption can be given, there is no discretion in the exemption. After that 6 months then it will default to the local authorities exempty property discount (which can vary by area)

The 50% empty property premium requires it to have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for 2 years or more. It is increasing to a 100% premium in April 19.

If a period meets those requirements, but was otherwise covered by an exemption, then the period still counts towards the 2 year qualification period. Once an exemption has run out then the reason it is empty has no bearing on the premium.

[charitynjw]

Thanks for that, lgfa92