Levy on empty properties

A Central Scotland MSP has welcomed a 200 per cent council tax levy on properties that have not been occupied for more than a year.

The proposal was approved by councillors at a meeting of South Lanarkshire Council’s executive committee.

It excludes second and holiday homes and is expected to generate an additional £250,000 to fund services.

Currently, SLC applies a 10 per cent discount to council tax charges on these properties but has 495 long-term empty properties in the area.

The council’s proposals follow MSP Graham Simpson’s calls, earlier this year, for the council to charge double council tax on empty properties – following the example of other local authorities across Scotland.

“I welcome South Lanarkshire Council bringing into force a levy on empty properties through the council tax system,”the Tory MSP, right, said.

“I’m delighted that my calls for the council to charge double council tax on empty properties has been implemented.

“The total number of long-term empty properties and second homes has increased from 52,823 in 2006 to 2017 to 62,795. This highlights that bringing empty properties back into use is of upmost importance.

“This empty homes levy will provide an additional £250,000 in revenues which will fund vital local services whilst enticing owners to bring properties back into use.

Mr Simpson added:“Whilst this does not solve Scotland’s housing shortage, it does have a part to play.”

While the rise was welcomed by councillors at the executive committee, concerns were raised over the council’s ability to step in if owners of properties were unwilling to spend money to bring them back into use or if they were being contested

as part of an estate.