Janice R. Andrews
Effective from April 1, the UK government has announced strict new council tax laws aimed at unoccupied properties. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities has announced that properties left unoccupied for prolonged periods of time will have their council tax doubled under the new regulations.
Councils will have more power to tax second houses more heavily starting next month. There will be some exceptions, though. The Manchester Evening News adds that residences inherited from family members, second homes with seasonal usage limitations, and homes rendered untenable by repairs will all be excluded.
According to Local Government Minister Simon Hoare, “long-term empty properties are shutting local families and young people out of the housing market.”
This highlights the importance of these policies. He went on to emphasize the government’s commitment to expanding housing options and giving councils the authority to successfully handle housing issues in their communities.
These actions are a component of the government’s larger plan, which is backed by a £10 billion investment, to build one million new houses. The government also hopes that these modifications will provide councils with more money to improve public spaces like parks, libraries, and other vital services.
