Council responds to empty homes announcement

[Kintyre Forum News]

Argyll and Bute Council has welcomed the opportunity to contribute to Scottish Government consultation proposals announced yesterday (Wednesday 19 October).

The Council Tax on Empty Homes and Housing Support Grant Bill proposals would give local authorities new powers to tax empty homes. This money could in turn be used to build new affordable housing. The bill would apply to properties that have lain empty for more than six months which are liable to pay council tax.

Spokesperson for rural and island affairs, housing and Gaelic Councillor Robin Currie said, “I would like to welcome this announcement as it gives us an opportunity to contribute to the consultation. As a council we support the aim of bringing properties which have been empty for a long time back into use. I look forward to discussing these proposals in full with my colleagues.”