Tax hike for empty West Norfolk homes?
WEST Norfolk Council is considering plans to cut the level of council tax discount offered to long-term empty properties in the borough.
At present, when a property becomes empty and unfurnished there is an exemption from council tax for six months to give the owner time to sell or let the property.
After the six-month period, a 50 per cent charge is due until the property is occupied again.
The council's cabinet will meet next Tuesday to discuss plans to reduce the level of discount to ten per cent from April 1, 2008.
There are currently 970 properties in the borough which are classed as long-term empty.
A report to cabinet members states: "The council has the discretion to reduce or completely remove the current 50 per cent discount which is awarded after the six-month exemption.
"Removal of the discount essentially will double the council tax bill of those 970 council taxpayers who own properties which have been empty for over six months.
"If the decision is made to reduce or remove the discount it is recommended that a letter is sent to all affected owners giving them notice that the council will be amending the discount and referring them to our private sector housing officer for advice."
There are a number of exceptions to the rule, including properties which have been left empty by people receiving care and properties which are empty due to the death of the resident, all of which will remain in place.
However, the council will not benefit from any additional income the move will generate.
The report states: "The Government retains all of the additional income generated through billing authorities reducing these discounts.
"The additional income is supposed to be accumulated in the Local Government 'pot'. The only financial benefit to this council would be as a result of a change of policy so more properties were brought into occupation.
"This would boost our council taxbase and thus increase the amount of council tax that could be raised each year."
richard.long@
lynnnews.co.uk
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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