Empty properties

Please note with effect from 1 April 2024 the amount of Council Tax payable in respect of empty properties will increase in accordance with below:

Properties undergoing structural alteration or repair

Phase 1 – 50% discount for up to 12 months or 6 months after works are completed, whichever is shorter

Phase 2 – full charge (if full 12 months 50% discount has not been used)

Phase 3 – Long term empty property premium

If you wish to apply for a discount because your property is undergoing either structural alteration or major repair, please download and complete a major repair alteration application form and return with evidence to support your application to council.tax@westlancs.gov.uk

Major repair alteration application form

Properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished

Phase 1 – 50% discount for up to 3 months

Phase 2 – full charge

Phase 3 – Long term empty property premium

Properties that are unoccupied and substantially furnished

Phase 1 – 50% discount for 3 months from the date on which the property became unoccupied

Phase 2 – full charge only whilst property remains unoccupied and substantially furnished

Local discounts referred to above, apply to the property and not to an individuals account.  Therefore once the relevant time period has been spent, the discount will not be applied again until the property has been occupied for a minimum of 6 weeks.

How to apply

Please contact the Council Tax service by email council.tax@westlancs.gov.uk or alternatively you can speak to a Customer Services advisor by calling 01695 577 177.

Some unoccupied properties may be exempt from paying council tax. Visit our exemption pages to find out more.

Long term empty property premiums

Exceptions to the additional premium

As at 4^th March 2024 the Government had not yet confirmed the exceptions to the scheme.

Our webpage will be updated as soon as this information is released.

If you believe you may be eligible for an exception, a claim must be made in writing to the Council Tax service by email council.tax@westlancs.gov.uk or alternatively by post to Revenues & Benefits Service, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF.

The Council may request (reasonable) evidence in support of your request.

Second Homes

Currently West Lancashire Borough Council charges 100% council tax charge for furnished second homes. However, from 1 April 2025 the amount of Council Tax payable will increase from 100% to 200%.

1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

100% Charge

1 April 2025 onwards

Premium Charge – 100% = Actual Charge – 200%

(this change will be reflected on 2025/26 Annual Council Tax bills)

Council strategy for dealing with Empty Homes

For more information please visit Council strategy for dealing with Empty Homes