Long Term Empty Properties
A Long-Term Empty Dwelling Premium will apply if your property has been empty for two years or more.
The following Long-Term Empty Premiums (LTEP) apply where your property is empty for longer than:
- Two years = 100% LTEP applies, increasing the charge to 200%
- Five years = 200% LTEP applies, increasing the charge to 300%
- 10 years = 300% LTEP applies, increasing the charge to 400%
The LTEP benefits our district and communities as an incentive to encourage empty homes back into use. The direct financial benefits from Council Tax income are small for us.
Visit our Empty Homes page for information on bringing empty homes back into use.
Council Tax Discretionary Discount
We can consider a short-term waiver of the LTEP. Each case will be considered on its own merit in accordance with our ELDC Council Tax Discretionary Reduction (S13A) Policy (PDF) [322KB] . The cost of the waiver is met by increasing the Council Tax charge to other taxpayers in the district. If after reading the policy, you think you may qualify, apply in writing setting out the circumstances of your situation, including relevant dates and your plans for the future of the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was the LTEP introduced?
A: Since April 2013 councils have the discretion to charge up to 50% LTEP for properties that have been empty for more than two years. From 1 April 2019 legislation allowed the LTEP to be increased further. At the Full Council meeting on 6 March 2019 the decision was made to use this discretion.
Q: When were the LTEP charges introduced?
A: LTEP charges and the effective dates are detailed below:
- 50% LTEP (empty longer than two years) was introduced on 1 April 2013.
- 100% LTEP (empty longer than two years) was introduced on 1 April 2019.
- 200% LTEP (empty longer than five years) was introduced on 1 April 2020.
- 300% LTEP (empty longer than 10 years) was introduced on 1 April 2021.