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.

Owners of more than 800 empty homes in Stoke-on-Trent will soon have to pay double council tax (Nub News).

"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.

----------

READ MORE: New supermarket could be built in Smallthorne if plans are approved

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.