- A home which has been empty for 2 years and over attracts a 100% premium from 1 April 2019, doubling the council tax payable.
- If it remains empty for 5 years or more, a 200% premium will be payable from 1 April 2020, tripling the council tax payable.
- Those homes kept empty for 10 years and over, will from 1 April 2021, attract a 300% premium, which quadruples the council tax payable.
We will consider taking enforcement action as a last resort:
Notice service
We can serve a notice on a freeholder, leaseholder, agent or person managing a property telling them to carry out works to comply with housing, environmental protection and dangerous structure law. The notice may specify a time limit.
Where owners fail to meet a notice, we may carry out the works. The cost of the works plus an administrative charge of 20% will be recovered from the owner.
If notices are not met, this could also lead to prosecution.
Empty Dwelling Management Orders
Empty Dwelling Management Orders (Housing Act 2004) give the council power to compulsorily lease empty homes that have been vacant for longer than 2 years, where other options have been unsuccessful.
Compulsory Purchase Orders
Compulsory Purchase Orders (Housing Act 1985) give the council power to acquire buildings and land through compulsory purchase.
Contact
Contact the empty homes team for further information and advice.