04.12.19
Council tax on empty properties set to be raised by Bolton Council
Bolton Council have taken steps to cut down on the number of empty properties in their constituency, by raising the council tax paid on such properties by up to three times.
The move comes after a consultation was launched, which was approved by the council on Monday.
Bolton currently has 1,375 empty properties which have remained unoccupied for six months or more, with the local authority keen to significantly raise the council tax costs for those which have stood unoccupied for two years or more.
Of the 1,375 vacant properties, 425 have been empty for two years or more and 215 unoccupied for more than five years.
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Currently, properties which have been unoccupied and are substantially unfurnished for two years or more are subject to an additional 50 per cent premium on council tax costs.
Under new powers, this could be doubled from April 1 2020 and properties which have been empty for five years could face an additional premium of 200 per cent.
From 2021/22, a 300 per cent premium could be applied for properties which have stood vacant for 10 years or more.
Borough treasurer, Sue Johnson, said: “This is not a way of bringing more money into the council. We are really doing this to bring properties into use.”
Properties will be exempt until six months after probate in the case of death.