Empty Torbay homes set for 200% council tax charge

About 1,000 properties across Torbay have been left empty for at least six months, the council said

Properties in Torbay that have been empty for more than 12 months will be charged 200% council tax from 1 April.

About 1,000 properties across Torbay are empty for at least six months, the council said.

It said tackling empty homes forms a key part of its housing strategy.

David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council, said the financial penalty should "encourage" more people to avoid leaving properties empty for longer than necessary.

Owners of empty properties will receive bills as part of the annual billing process with the charge already applied, the council said.

It follows the national empty homes week awareness campaign which launched on Monday.

Mr Thomas said: "Empty homes are a wasted asset.

"We want to make the best of existing housing in the bay to ensure that they can become homes to the families who need them."