18th
Dec 2015
Liverpool City council is planning to introduce the mandatory payment of full council tax on any empty landlord’s properties.
The City’s ruling cabinet has backed the latest proposal submitted to them to make landlords pay the full amount of council tax on uninhabited residences and it is hoping to yield an extra £2million per year. This ruling will also affect private homeowners who are living abroad or elsewhere, rather than at their home in the city.
The council is determined that every single habitable ‘home’ is used within its boundaries, to reduce the housing crisis.
It has been agreed that the council will shortly consult all landlords and homeowners who may become liable.
Mayor Joe Anderson said: “The report says we’re the only authority that has kept this type of discount going. But with the number of empty properties and the amount of people on waiting lists, I believe this is the right thing to do.”
From the council’s report for 2014/2015, it stated that there were around 23,500 properties which were eligible to receive discounts for up to two months, the sum is estimated at £2million.
Liverpool City Council also allows a concessionary 20% council tax discount on empty furnished ‘homes’. Approximately there are 620 properties of which nearly 500 have been empty for over two months and 300 for more than 12 months.
The council estimates that if this discount was also removed then they would receive an extra £170,000 from council tax per year.
The report that was prepared for the city council cabinet said: “Liverpool city council has had its central government funding cut by 58% since 2010/11.
“Maintaining a discount on council tax for empty properties may no longer be considered affordable.
“The number of long-term empty furnished properties receiving the discount suggests it is not providing an incentive to let or dispose of properties quickly.”
The report also pointed out that Liverpool is the only core city to provide a discount on empty furnished accommodation.
It is recommending any properties that are having major re-construction work or repairs, should still receive the discount.
The council will make the decision by the end of January on whether to remove the discounts, which will be just in time to implement in April 2016.
The cabinet report said: “A further report to full council will confirm the outcome of the consultation meetings and the proposed decision.”
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