MPs look to bring empty homes back into use

MPs have been debating new measures in Parliament, which will give councils powers that will bring thousands of long-term empty homes back into use.

The proposed new legislation will allow councils to double the rate of Council Tax on homes that have been left empty for years. Currently, the premium that can be levied is 50%.

The number of homes left empty for six months or longer has dropped substantially, since records began in 2004, when the figure was 318,642. Current numbers show some 205,293 vacant properties. The lowest number recorded was in October 2016, when there were 200,145. Councils already have powers and incentives to tackle empty homes, through the New Homes Bonus scheme introduced in 2011, and a 50% council tax premium on homes empty for two years or more. 291 out of 326 councils applied an empty homes premium in 2017 to 2018.

The move is part of the government’s range of measures designed to tackle the housing crisis and rejuvenate the housing market. The government is investing in an ambitious package of reforms to ensure the country has the homes it needs.

The funds raised from the premium will help keep Council Tax levels down for working families.

Local Government Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “While we should celebrate the number of long-term empty homes dropping by a third since 2010, there are still 200,000 vacant properties across the country.

“This bill hands councils further tools to bring much-needed homes back into use and provide thousands of families with a place to call home.”

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