Council tax to double on empty homes

HOMES in Wokingham that are left empty for a year will be charged double the rate of council tax from April under plans agreed by the council.

People with second homes in the borough will have to pay twice as much starting from next year.

Liberal Democrat leaders said the premiums were designed to tackle a shortage of affordable housing. Conservatives said it was an attempt to make more money out of people who can’t afford to pay.

Liberal Democrat councillor Imogen Shepherd-DuBey – in charge of finance – said the council ‘wants to encourage property owners to bring empty homes back into use’.

Conservative councillor Laura Blumenthal said the plan was ‘a broad brush stroke to try to get as much tax as possible’.

Homes can already be charged double council tax if they are left empty and unfurnished for two years.

Councillors voted to reduce that to one year after the government changed the law to allow this in May 2022.

Councillors also agreed that a 100% council tax premium can be charged on homes ‘occupied periodically’ – meaning second homes – from April 1, 2025.

Conservatives abstained from voting on them.

Cllr Blumenthal said she worried that people who’ve taken charge of a dead relative’s home, or who are being prevented from selling their homes by an abusive expartner, could be caught out.

She said: “When it comes to properties empty for a year, I’m concerned it’s going to affect those who are grieving or suffering economic abuse.”

She also said it was unclear who would have to pay for homes occupied periodically.