Charging a higher council tax surcharge for empty properties
Tonight at Mayor & Cabinet we agreed to charge a maximum surcharge (Empty Homes Premium) of 100% on properties left empty for two years or more. Previously, we were only allowed discretion to charge 50%. This is good news and sends a clear message to owners who are leaving properties empty that we intend do everything we can to bring empty homes back into use. The housing crisis creates misery for thousands of our fellow residents. We must do everyting within our power to hou