Empty properties
Empty Homes Review
You may have recently received a review letter about the occupancy status of your property. In support of the Government's initiative to tackle the shortfall in national housing, South Ribble Borough Council is currently undertaking a review of empty Council Tax properties.
Please follow the link below to update the property records for your address. The review is being managed on behalf of the council by Capacitygrid. Capacitygrid's contact details are on your review letter.
Completing the review
It will take 5-10 minutes to complete, and you will need the passcode numbers on your review letter.
Complete the empty homes review
Lost your review letter
Please telephone Capacitygrid on 0300 303 2076. Lines are open between 8.45am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Empty Property Council Tax charges
Council Tax will be charged at the full rate on all long term empty properties.
In certain circumstances some dwellings will not be classed as being long term empty dwellings. The majority of these exemptions are determined by Central Government and Legislation.
| Exempt Class | Type of Property | Period of Exemption | Class of property after prescribed period |
| A (Former) | Property in need or undergoing major repairs | 12 months | Long term empty |
| B | Unoccupied, owned by a charity | 6 months | Long term empty |
| C (Former) | Empty and unfurnished for up to six months | 6 months | Long term empty |
| D | Empty due to a person being in prison | Indefinite | Not applicable |
| E | Empty due to a person having gone to live in a care home | Indefinite | Not applicable |
| F | Council tax payer deceased | 6 months from Grant of probate | Long term empty |
| G | Occupation prohibited by law | Indefinite | Not applicable |
| K | Dwelling left empty by a student | Indefinite | Not applicable |
| L | Unoccupied dwelling where a mortgage is in possession | Indefinite | Not applicable |
| R | Caravan pitches and boat moorings | Indefinite | Not applicable |
| W | Dependent relative | Indefinite | Not applicable |
| H | Unoccupied dwelling held for a Minister of religion | Indefinite | Not applicable |
| I | Person living elsewhere to receive personal care | Indefinite | Not applicable |
| J | Dwelling left empty by a person providing personal care | Indefinite | Not applicable |
| Q | Dwelling left empty by a bankrupt | Indefinite | Not applicable |
Empty Property Premium
If your property has been empty and unfurnished (long term empty) for a period longer than 2 years, Council Tax will be charged as per the table below:
| Effective date | Empty period | Premium | Total Charge |
| 1 April 2020 | 2-5 years | 100% | 200% |
| 5 years + | 200% | 300% | |
| 1 April 2021 | 10 years + | 300% | 400% |
The follow types of property are excluded from these provisions:
- A dwelling which is the sole or main residence of a member of the armed forces who is absent due to service
- An annexe treated as part of the main dwelling
Please note, the premium charge also does not apply if your property falls into one of the above exempt classes.
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