Hi, I live in Rotherham - just to make it clear before I begin my waffle, in case Sheffield and Rotherham council policies differ...

I bought a house a month ago, and I stated to the council that the house is to remain unfurnished until I move in (September). Therefore, for the meantime, no council tax to pay.

However, over the weekend I took delivery of a settee, a chair, and a dining table (plus four seats). Now, in the eyes of the council, is the house now furnished? Am I liable for council tax payment? Bear in mind there is no washing machine, no fridge freezer, no cabinets, no TV, no bed etc etc blah blah.

Cheers

I don't think its a case of whether its unfurnished but rather whether its occupied. Ring the council for final clarification.

I had this with a house in Rotherham. I stated I wasn't living in it, the kitchen was being rebuilt and I was living in Sheffield. There was hardly any furniture in the house. The Council came round AND LOOKED THROUGH THE WINDOWS and told me that as they saw a kettle and a fridge that they felt the house was suitable to be lived in and therefore I had to pay the price.

I'd suggest you tell them that it will be empty until September and just keep the curtains (if you have any) closed in the room where the sofa is and keep the door shut. See if you can get away with it.

I agree, I think if there is any furniture in then you will have to pay, this is what I was told when I moved out of my last house, but still hadn't sold it.

If they've OK'd you not paying at the moment I doubt they'll pop round, so I'd stay quiet, if you have curtains to shut then do it, or you could always put the furniture upstairs.

Cheers for the input. I'm not one to scam money out of anyone, but the fact remains that I'm not living in the house at the moment, I'm living in another house which does pay council tax, and I don't seem a dinign table and chairs and a settee as a suitably furnished house. We have blinds up so they will remain closed!...

I wonder how strict they really are as it sounds like they are very strict on what counts as habitable, or whatever judgement they make. Does the very fact the house has curtains or blinds up mean they will say you should be paying council tax? Best bet might be to shift everything upstairs or in to a room that cannot be seen from the outside?

Getting the settee upstairs is a no-no - we had to make the window out just to get it into the living room! I'll cover it tonight and keep the blinds shut. They're not being moved, no way!

It is interesting though, what constitutes a habitable, liveable house. Refrring to the earlier post, I think a kettle and a fridge certainly does not mean the house is ready to move into, that's ridiculous...

Anyway, my gf's mate works for the council (housing dept) so maybe she might be one doing the snooping round. We'll bung her a couple of drinks to keep shtum!