Undergoing Major Works Or Structural Repairs
A property may be entitled to a local council tax discount for up to a maximum of 12 months from the date the property became unoccupied and unfurnished, providing the property is undergoing major structural alterations OR undergoing major repair work to render the property habitable.
Structural Alteration
The council considers major structural alterations to be concerned with the whole constructed building. This is distinction between the structure of the building from its decoration and fittings. Examples of major structural alterations could be:
- Repairs to the roof structure (not re-shingling or replacing tiles).
- Re-building defective chimney stack(s).
- Re-building external walls.
- Repair or renewal of foundations.
- Replacing defective solid floors.
- Replacing defective floor joists.
- Replacing defective ceiling joists.
- Complete gutting of property including removing internal walls, back to brick and re-plaster.
Major Repair Works
Major repair works would be considered as unusually important, serious or significant works to restore the property to an unimpaired condition by replacing or fixing damaged parts. The works carried out must be for the purpose of making the property habitable. The property must be unoccupied and substantially unfurnished. An inspection will usually be carried out to verify whether the property is unoccupied and whether the combination of works being carried meet the required of being "Major". Examples of work that does not qualify for a local discount are:
- refurbishment of a property which does not include major works as defined above.
- kitchen, bathroom replacements.
- general repair work.
- gas/electrical/heating/plumbing repairs.
- re-wiring, timber, damp proof treatment, re-plastering or drainage works.
- work that is only due to take place for a short period of time would usually not be considered as major works.
- landlord works in between tenancies where no major works have taken place are usually considered as a refurbishment and not appropriate for this discount.
The council shall always consider each application on a "case by case" basis.
Apply
If you think you are entitled to the local discount please download and complete the form below. Please make sure you send photographs and as much supporting evidence of the works taking place.
If your application is successful, we will award the discount for a maximum of 12 months and will issue a bill to confirm the discount has been awarded.
Once the 12 month period has ended, the discount will also end even if works are continuing.
If you are not successful with your application we shall send a letter explaining why and the next steps available to you.
If, as the owner of the property, you believe that the property is in a state of serious disrepair or is derelict,you can ask the Valuation Office to review the council tax band.