Southport landlords to pay full council tax on empty homes

Landlords who leave empty homes in Southport could soon be paying more council tax rates under a proposed change to increase payments from 50% to 100%.

New legislation will give Sefton Council additional powers to increase the council tax premium charged to properties that have been empty and largely unfurnished for more than two years from 50% to 100% with effect from April 1, 2019.

Sefton Council is in the process of running a consultation on the proposed changes and want feedback on the plans.

There are about 645 homes in Sefton that have been empty for two years or more, excluding those that are exempt from council tax.