Owners of empty homes in Stoke-on-Trent set to pay double council tax
The owners of more than 800 empty houses in Stoke-on-Trent will soon have to pay double council tax under new rules.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is set to impose a 100 per cent council tax premium on properties that have been empty for between one and two years, following a change in the law.
The council already charges the premium on homes that have been left unoccupied and unfurnished for at least two years.
According to a report to cabinet, there are currently 814 properties in Stoke-on-Trent that have been empty for between one and two years.
A 100 per cent council tax premium on these homes could potentially generate around £1 million if all the properties pay it in full.
The report states: "It is likely that the number of properties would reduce if evidence is provided that the property is currently for sale/let, furnished or occupied. The exact number will not be known until implementation.
"Tackling empty homes is a priority for the city council because they are a wasted housing asset that can be used to provide housing for those who do not have a home and for people who are living in unsuitable or inappropriate accommodation. This is a priority area of work for the authority with respect to providing housing for those in the greatest need.
"Empty homes also have a negative impact on local communities and on the authority's resources in terms of dealing with associated problems."
If cabinet members rubberstamp the revised empty property premium at a meeting next week, it will come into effect from April 1.
The Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023 allowed councils to impose the 100 per cent premium on homes that have been empty for at least a year, down from two years previously.
The city council already imposes a 300 per cent premium on homes that have been empty for 10 years or more.
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