Council Tax for empty properties

[tell-me-more]

(apologies this isn't a news item but I couldn't think of a better place for it)

In light of the fact that there is supposedly a severe housing shortage and yet nearly a million properties lying vacant, do you think landlords should be charged Council Tax for empty properties in order to encourage them to keep their properties rented out rather than empty?

[daffy654]

In short...no I don't.

[tell-me-more]

Ask a silly question...

I'm looking for reasons as well please. If it's "no" because no-one is using the services surely landlords are using the services to market their property to tenants or buyers - no one would want a place where there are no schools and other essential services in place. The lack of tenants is costing the rest of us.

[R1Geezer]

they are charged for empty properties.

[tell-me-more]

Really? At what rate relative to 2 people sharing?

[tboo]

Depending on the local council - as high as 90% is charged for an empty property.

[R1Geezer]

empty properties are charged at 50% of the full band rate. Businesses premesis are charged 75% full rate that's why there is a lot of demolition at the moment.

[tell-me-more]

I'd be very interested to know which one of those last two is correct.

Thanks everyone for your answers so far.

[buildersmate]

Presumably this statement came from an entirely unreputable rag like the Daily Mail.
By the time one adds up second homes, buy-to-let currently not being let, houses in the process of being sold and more reasons, there may well be 1m. of them.
But owners do pay CT, as R1 correctly states.
And who is saying there is a housing shortage anyway?

[wonkon-wonk]

empty properties are charged at 50% if habitable , if not apply to the council, they will come and view it and if it is deemed inhabitale then you pay nothing.

[tell-me-more]

Who is saying there is a housing shortage? Umm, quite a few people.

[tboo]

If a dwelling is no-one's main home, the bill will be reduced by 10% . This applies to empty dwellings and second homes.

Some dwellings are exempt, but have to be undergoing or require structural alteration or major repair (then they are exempt for up to twelve months)

[redcrx]

50% discount for the first 6 months of it being empty only.

but what if the owner is forced to let it out to someone of housing benefit, what percentage of the CT would they pay whilst they are on benefits?

[tell-me-more]

So do landlord's pay 50%, 90% or does it depend?

[tboo]

It used to be 50% but changed in 2004, it is now 90% of the full charge of council tax