Owners of empty homes to pay double Council Tax

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Press Release

Published on 11 February 2019
Archived on 11 March 2019


Owners of empty homes will be forced to pay double their Council Tax bill under plans approved by Stratford-on-Avon District Council Cabinet today, Monday 11 February.

The Empty Property Council Tax Premium will see homes which have been empty for two years or more charged extra.

There are currently just over 200 properties in the district which would qualify for the Premium, which will raise around £186,000 a year.

The District Council retains around 8% of Council Tax collected and this would be around £14,927.

The decision follows a change in government legislation which allows councils to increase the premium from 50% to 100% if they wish.

David Platts, Head of ICT and Revenues says: "This levy is part of the Government drive to increase the number of properties back on to the market and so contribute to the national shortfall in housing numbers."

The current exemptions around hospital care / severe mental impairment / armed forces / cases awaiting probate and any property on the market for genuine sale, all still apply so are still not subject to the Levy. 


Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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Last updated on 11/02/2019