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Council Tax and Flooding: Your Rights When Your Home Is Uninhabitable

Written by admin on . Posted in Council Tax.

Updated for 2026

Flooding remains one of the most devastating events a homeowner can face, and council tax disputes only add to the stress. A landmark case from 2014 set an important precedent that still benefits flood victims across England and Wales today.

The case that changed everything

During the severe winter floods of 2013/14, thousands of people across southern England were forced to leave their waterlogged homes. Many found themselves paying council tax on both their temporary accommodation and their uninhabitable permanent property.

A couple from Pulborough in West Sussex faced exactly this situation. Their home had been flooded on Christmas Eve 2013, and their insurance company advised them to leave due to health and safety concerns after suffering three feet of floodwater. Despite this, Horsham District Council only granted them a 25 per cent discount for 30 days.

After more than four months in temporary accommodation, the couple challenged the council and won their battle to reclaim the full council tax payments they had made on their flooded home.

The government response

Following this case and others like it, the government announced an extension of council tax discounts to anyone unable to return to their home because of flood damage. This set the framework that councils across England and Wales still follow when dealing with flood-affected properties.

Horsham District Council defended their original stance, stating the 25 per cent discount was given “before guidance on the 100 per cent flood relief scheme had been passed to the council.” The overpayment was eventually repaid in full.

Your rights if your home is flooded in 2026

If flooding forces you out of your home, you should be aware of the following:

  • You may be entitled to a council tax exemption (Class G) if your property is unoccupied and prohibited by law from being occupied
  • If the property is simply uninhabitable, you can apply for a Class A exemption for major repair work, or request a discretionary discount from your council
  • You should not have to pay full council tax on an empty, flood-damaged property while also paying for temporary accommodation
  • Contact your council’s revenues department as soon as possible after being displaced, and put everything in writing
  • If your council refuses a discount, you have the right to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal for England (or the Valuation Tribunal for Wales)

Lessons for council tax payers

This case highlights how important it is to challenge your council if you believe you are being overcharged. Councils do not always apply discounts automatically, and many homeowners miss out simply because they do not know what they are entitled to.

Whether you are dealing with flooding, a property left empty after a bereavement, or any other situation where you think your council tax bill is wrong, it is always worth seeking advice.

Council Tax Advisors (CTA) provides independent help and guidance on all council tax matters across England and Wales. If you are in a dispute with your council or believe you are paying too much, get in touch today.