Councils Get New Power to Double Tax on Empty Homes From Next Month

New power allowing councils in England to double taxes on empty homes will take effect next month, the government has confirmed on Monday. From April 1, councils will be allowed to charge double council tax when a property has been vacant for one year, instead of two years, because of new rules introduced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. The new rule will bring England in line with Scotland and Wales. The law also gives councils the discretionary power to double the tax on second homes in their area from April next year. The government said the policy will raise “millions more” for councils and be “unlocking more of the homes.”...