News

LANDLORDS HIT BY 80% COUNCIL TAX HIKE

Dover Council is to cut the discount of Council Tax on second and empty homes from 50% to just 10%.

The local authority is committed to bringing empty properties back into use, and grants may be available to renovate empty properties for letting. A private sector leasing scheme has also been developed with a local Housing Association, which offers a complete management service for rented properties.

The changes  are due to be implemented on 1 April 2005.

Landlords will have to pay 80% more council tax on their empty properties and Dover Council are hoping this will encourage them to put more houses up for letting. Owners of second homes will also be liable for the increase.

For more information on Council Tax discounts, please call the Revenue and Benefits Team on (01304) 872155 or 872158. For more information on empty property grants or related issues, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on (01304) 872225 or log onto www.dover.gov.uk/privatesectorhousing