Proposal to increase council tax for empty homes

Hastings Borough Council's Cabinet is due to discuss proposals to bring forward the period from two years to one year when an unoccupied and substantially unfurnished dwelling can be charged a premium of 100% council tax.

The proposal is a change to the current policy which charges an additional 100% on properties that have been empty for two years. The changes follow the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 which allow councils to charge a premium on properties that have been empty for one year, rather than two years as is currently the case. The Act also allows for a 100% premium on second homes from April 2025 which the cabinet will also be discussing.

If agreed the change is designed to encourage taxpayers to use homes as their main home or allow others to use them as a main home. It is also hoped that the policy will allow more empty homes or unoccupied homes to be brought back into use. It will also bring in additional income for the council.

Cllr Julia Hilton, leader of the council, said: "We hope this change will encourage people who have empty homes to either rent them out to someone who needs a home, or to use them themselves. It will also bring in more income through council tax for us, which will help with our financial situation."

The proposals will be discussed at Cabinet on Monday 12 February at 6pm. You will be able to attend the meeting in person at Muriel Matters House or watch online.  If approved by Cabinet they will then be discussed by Full Council on Wednesday 21 February at 6pm. This meeting will also be open to the public and available online.

Full details of the proposals can be read in the papers online.