28.03.18
Councils given new taxation powers to tackle empty homes
Thousands of properties across England could be brought back into use as new legislation is introduced to allow local authorities to double the rate of council tax on empty homes.
It is hoped that the new rules, which will allow councils to levy additional charges on properties that are left empty for two years or more, will help to fix the country’s broken housing market.
As well as reducing the number of empty homes, the government revealed councils would be able to use funds for the premium to keep council tax levels down for working families.
Although the number of houses sitting empty for more than six months is significantly lower than in 2004 when records began, there are currently 200,000 long-term empty properties across England.
In 2010 there were 300,000 empty homes, but in 2013 councils were given the powers to charge a 50% premium on council tax bills, which the “vast majority” do on long-term empty homes.
Local government minister Rishi Sunak said that it is “simply wrong” that so many properties are left empty while “thousands of families are desperate for a secure place to call home.”
“This new power will equip councils with the tools they need to encourage owners of long-term empty properties to bring them back into use – and at the same time tackle the harmful effect they have on communities through squatting, vandalism and anti-social behaviour,” he added.
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