Q We bought our council house but it was part of a block of flats that were built badly, with a flat roof.

Eventually the blocks became almost derelict and are now shuttered up, and disconnected. We have spoken to councillors, MSP, and the local authority but are stuck with an unliveable and unsaleable home. There was talk of tearing the block down.

But we are still being charged council tax and water rates. Surely we should not have to pay taxes on top of losing the money we put into the flat?

A Exemption for empty property is for a maximum of six months routinely. The local authority can offer 50% reduction on tax thereafter. If the property is not served by water I can’t see how they can be justified in charging for the supply.

Where property requires major repairs the exemption is 12 months. Condemned property is exempt.

Speak to your local CAB which is used to dealing with the council. It would be unjust to make you pay for an unuseable property.

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