This consultation closed on Monday 14 January 2019.
Results
There were 324 responses to the consultation, and as a result, we made some changes to Council tax charges from 1 April 2019.
We increased premiums for long-term empty properties, which is charged in addition to Council Tax:
From 50 per cent:
- to 100 per cent for domestic properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished for more than two years from 1 April 2019
- to 200 per cent for more than five years from 1 April 2020, and
- to 300 per cent for more than ten years from 1 April 2021.
We will use our discretion to:
- Remove the 100 per cent discount for one month when a domestic property first becomes empty and unfurnished
- Remove the 50 per cent discount for up to twelve months when a domestic property is undergoing major repairs or structural changes.
What the consultation was about:
We're proposing some changes to increase the council tax we charge from 1 April 2019 when homes in Manchester are empty. We'd like your views before we decide.
Why we want to change things
Our main aim is to encourage owners to bring empty homes back into use more quickly. The proposals would also increase Council income and simplify and reduce administration.
What's proposed
We propose to make the following changes:
- Increase the council tax we charge for homes that are unoccupied and unfurnished for two years and more. The amount we will charge will increase the longer the home is empty.
- Stop providing a 100% council tax discount for the first month that a home is empty and unfurnished.
- Stop providing a 50% council tax discount for up to a year on a home that is empty for major repairs or structural alterations.