At its next meeting, Durham County Council’s Cabinet is being recommended to approve proposals which include additional charges on properties that have been empty for over 12 months, and those that have been empty for more than 10 years.
The plans are intended to bring properties back into use whilst also generating additional spending power for the authority, at a time when it is having to make millions of pounds of savings.
The proposed changes follow the Regeneration and Levelling Up Bill receiving Royal Ascent, which makes provision for authorities to increase council tax charges on long term empty and second homes.
Cllr Richard Bell, the council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, said: “As with councils up and down the country, we are currently faced with making very difficult decisions to try and balance our budgets.
“Given the position we are in, it is only right that we join a number of other councils in exploring this option.
“There was recognition from those taking part in the public consultation that our proposals would reduce numbers of empty properties and, therefore, increase availability of housing, including affordable homes.
“We would like to thank everyone who took part.”
A report to the meeting sets out how more than 56 per cent of the 656 respondents to the consultation either agreed or strongly agreed with increased premiums for properties that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for more than ten years.
In terms of a proposal to reduce the period of time a property can be unoccupied and unfurnished before being subject to 100 per cent council tax, 58 per cent of local residents agreed or strongly agreed.
And 63 per cent of the residents who responded, agreed or strongly agreed with the introduction of a council tax premium for properties classed as a second home.
Cabinet is being asked to approve the proposals at its meeting next Wednesday, 15 November, which is streamed live on Durham County Council’s Youtube channel and availble for later viewing..
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
