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Empty homes discount abolished
January 13, 2005 5:54 PM
The Liberal Democrat Council has abolished the 50% Council Tax Discount on empty properties in Islington. The council tax discount on second homes has also been reduced from 50% to the legal minimum of 10%.
Removing the discount is intended as a further incentive to owners to use properties that have been left empty.
Councillor Jyoti Vaja, executive member for Housing and Community Safety said.
"Empty houses have an adverse affect on neighbourhoods and they attract squatters and crime. By abolishing the council tax discounts we are encouraging owners of empty homes to bring them back into use and make them into assets.
"Islington is a densely populated borough with many people who need homes. Making the most of the properties that are empty and underused in the borough is one of the most obvious ways of dealing with this problem.
"Last year Islington was recognised for the effectiveness of its empty homes strategy. We want to build on this success this year. Council flats now have new tenants within days of becoming vacant. The next challenge is to encourage more private owners to open up their unused properties."
The decision to scrap the council tax discounts was taken at the Council Meeting last week.
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