Council proposes to change council tax in a bid to reduce empty properties 

The council says there are currently more than 360 homes in the district that have been empty for one year or more. 

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) is proposing changes to council tax discounts and exemptions that could lead to fewer empty homes in the district. 

The council says there are currently more than 360 homes in the district that have been empty for one year or more. 

They are proposing changes to council tax discounts and exemptions to encourage owners of second and empty homes to occupy, rent or sell these properties and bring them back into use quickly. 

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Housing for NWLDC, said: “The number of empty homes in our district is a problem, especially when local people have a significant need for housing. It’s not acceptable to leave properties empty for a long time, and yet that’s what people do. 

“The proposals remove the discounts we currently offer, with the aim of encouraging people to quickly sell, rent or occupy empty homes and reducing the problem in our communities.”

Councillor Nick Rushton, Corporate Portfolio Holder for NWLDC, added: “In a time when we’re looking at all our services and how we can make this council as efficient and financially stable as possible, it’s sensible to look at increasing income in some areas of our council tax billing. 

“These proposals work to solve two problems – that of empty homes and that of challenging council budgets. 

“We want to hear from everyone so we can make an informed decision. This includes people affected by these proposals and also those who perhaps live near empty properties or who care about having a healthy budget for important council services. We look forward to getting everyone’s feedback.” 

The proposals are:

1. Double council tax for people who own a second home that is unoccupied (they currently pay the standard rate)
2. Full council tax for people who own an empty home from the point they own the property (they currently pay no council tax for one month)  
3. Full council tax for people doing major repairs to a home (they currently have a 50% discount for 12 months) 
4. An increasing council tax bill depending on how long the home has been empty 
(A grace period of 12 months would be given to people who have inherited a property following a death, as well we those who are actively marketing a property for rent or sale and those who are doing extensive repairs to a property.)

An online survey is now available at www.nwleics.gov.uk/emptyhomesurvey. The survey is open until Monday 18 November.