NORTH West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has proposed changes to council tax discounts and exemptions - aimed at leading to fewer empty homes in the district.

A range of proposals would see second homeowners paying double council tax, while owners of empty and unoccupied homes would pay more depending on how long the property has been left empty.

Currently, second homeowners only pay the normal rate of council tax - and owners of long-term empty properties pay extra amounts depending on how long the property has been empty – and it is proposed to increase how much they pay.

If a property is empty and unfurnished currently, council tax is not charged for a month. It is proposed to charge from day one. 

The final proposal would remove a 50 per cent discount for people who are doing major repairs to an empty property.

These people would pay full council tax from the point they own the property.

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 HERE and has been sent to second and empty homeowners.

Hard copies are available on request. The survey is open until Monday, November 18.

More than 360 homes in North West Leicestershire have been empty for a year or more, with 13 classed as negatively impacting on the local community.

By giving discounts to second and empty homeowners, and avoiding large surcharges, NWLDC misses out on additional income that could be used to invest and protect important public services. 

This extra funding is important, as the council is currently working hard to close a gap in its budget that is predicted from next year. This gap has come about due to rising costs and inflation, plus a likely significant reduction in income from business rates.

Cllr 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."

Cllr Michael Wyatt said: "I am determined to try and address the issue of empty properties which have a detrimental effect on local communities.

"We cannot allow more houses to be built without also tackling the issue of empty properties."

Cllr 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."