Empty homes charge

Homes in Arun district that are classified as ‘empty’ will now be subject to an increased council tax charge.

From April 1, owners of propertieswhichhaveremained empty for longer than two years will be required to pay an additional council tax charge of 100 per cent.

An ‘empty’ home is any privately owned residential property that has been unoccupied –no persons permanently living at the address – and unfurnished –there are no substantial furnishings for the property to be utilised as a habitable dwelling–foratleastsixmonths.