Views sought on double council tax plan for Wales

The threat of council tax hikes on empty properties could prompt the owners to rent them out

Plans to charge extra council tax on holiday homes and empty properties in Wales could be softened as consultations are launched.

From April 2017, councils will be able to charge up to 100% extra in a bid to control house prices and put more empty properties back into use.

Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews asked whether there should be exemptions for "unreasonable" charges.

He gave the example of someone actively trying to sell or let an empty house.

Separate consultations on the charges for second homes and empty properties will run until June.

An estimated 23,000 homes in Wales are empty or used as second homes.