The Government has introduced new legislation giving councils across England more powers to bring long-term empty properties back into use.

With over 200,000 long-term empty dwellings currently in England, the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Bill aims to boost the housing market by letting local authorities charge double the rate of Council Tax on homes left standing empty for two years or more.

-- Advertisement --

Councils will also be able to use funds from the premium to keep Council Tax levels down for working families.

Local Government Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: "It is simply wrong that, while there are 200,000 long-term empty properties across the country, 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."

(LM/MH)