Council Tax discount on empty properties and second homes removed

Discretionary Council Tax discount for empty properties and second homes is to be removed with effect from 1 April 2022.

The move is designed to encourage owners of empty properties to bring them back into use.

The council currently applies a discount of 100% in the first month if a property is empty, and a 25% discount for up to two years. Properties undergoing major works are eligible for 50% discount for a period of one year.

Ending discretionary discounts brings Bury into line with other Greater Manchester authorities, none of whom provide discounts after six months and four provide no discount at all.

In August 2021, there were 1,841 empty homes across Bury, which were attracting a Council Tax discount of £784,368.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, said: “We want empty houses to be brought back into use at the earliest opportunity. This will help ease the pressure on housing demand, and reduce the risk of empty properties causing blight to neighbourhoods and attracting anti-social behaviour.”

Statutory discounts will still be awarded in certain cases, such as properties which become empty due to the death of the owner. A list of exemptions can be found on the council’s website at www.bury.gov.uk/counciltax.

Information about bringing empty properties back into use, along with advice with renovation and renting, is available at www.bury.gov.uk/emptypropertyadvice

ENDS

Press release issued: 31 January 2022.