Council considers tax increases for empty homes

At the moment, homes which are left unoccupied incur a 100% tax premium after two years

People who own homes in Crawley but leave them empty could find themselves having to pay double their council tax a year sooner than expected.

At the moment, homes which are left unoccupied incur a 100% tax premium after two years.

But during a meeting of Crawley Borough Council’s cabinet last week it was recommended that be reduced to just one year.

Michael Jones, leader of the council, said that people who were "fortunate enough" to own two homes should "make a higher contribution".

A 100% premium was also recommended for second homes which were only occupied periodically – such as holiday homes.

If both recommendations are approved by the full council on 27 March, the changes will come into effect from April 2025.

Mr Jones added: “I think that’s the right thing to do.”

The council declared a housing emergency in February.