TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington are considering changes to council tax discounts on empty properties – to encouraged owners to turn them into homes that people would value.
But first they want to give local people a say on the issue.
The changes are made possible through a number of changes the government has made to council tax regulations – including allowing councils to look at the discounts on certain empty properties and second homes.
public consultation will run until Monday, September 2 and the results will be reported to the council’s executive board.
The new proposals include:
*Replacing the Council Tax Class A exemption for unoccupied and unfurnished properties which require or are undergoing major repair works or structural alteration to render them habitable and giving a discounted rate
*Replacing the Council Tax Class C exemption for unoccupied and substantially unfurnished properties and giving a discounted rate
*Charging an empty home premium for properties which have been empty for more than two years
*Charging up to the full Council Tax amount on second/holiday homes.
Cllr Russ Bowden (pictured), the council’s executive member for corporate resources and assignments, said: “Empty homes can have a financial impact on the local area as a target for vandals and can quickly become a dumping ground for rubbish.
“By introducing these charges on empty properties and second homes we hope to encourage owners to turn their properties into homes that people value.
“The changes would also generate additional income which could be used to support our work to reduce the problem of empty homes in the borough. We want to tackle this problem but need residents to help us so if you have a view, please have your say.”
Anyone who wants to give an opinion can complete the online questionnaire, email revenues&[email protected] call 01925 443213 or post questionnaires to: Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions consultation, PO Box 5, New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington
WA1 2NH.
The council hopes to have the new scheme in place from April next year.
Council chiefs eye up empty properties
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
