Council Tax - empty properties and second homes
Feedback updated 23 Feb 2024
We asked
We sought views on a proposal to charge double the standard council tax for properties that are substantially unfurnished and unoccupied from one year instead of two from 1 April 2024, and secondly, to charge double the standard charge for properties that have no resident and are substantially furnished from 1 April 2025.
You said
59 people responded to the online consultation. The majority (81%) were Leicester residents and 8% responded as property owners.
71% of respondents agreed that we should charge double the standard council for properties which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished after one year, instead of the current two years.
66% agreed that we should charge double the standard council tax for properties that have no resident and are substantially furnished.
49% agreed that certain types of property or ownership should be exempt from the changes.
We did
On 21 February 2024 Full Council approved to double the standard council tax for substantially unfurnished and unoccupied properties from one year with effect from 1 April 2024, and to double the charge for properties that have no resident and are substantially furnished from 1 April 2025.
The current exemptions to the additional charge that apply to empty unfurnished properties will continue. We will further consider exemptions once the Government has published its policy guidelines. This will include suggestions made by consultees.
Overview
There is a shortage of housing in Leicester, which is one of the fasting growing cities in England. As part of preparing our local plan, a need for 39,000 new homes was identified for the period 2020 to 2036. We have around 5,000 households approaching the council each year because they are at risk of homelessness. 6,000 households have applied to the council for housing. In this context, we want to see as many empty homes as possible made available for occupation.
We would like your views on the amount of council tax paid by owners of homes which are left empty for all or most of the time. The Government has introduced new laws allowing us to increase the amounts paid. We are proposing to do this.
A final decision on any increased charges will be made by the Full Council when it sets its budget for 2024/25. This will take place on 21 February 2024. A summary of consultation responses will be made available for councillors at that meeting.
Areas
- All Areas
Audiences
- All residents
Interests
- Housing
Share
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook