Moray Council has said the owners of empty homes in the area will see their council tax double within the next two years.

The increased tax will affect domestic properties that have been left unoccupied for more than a year.

Councillors agreed to the new rules in an attempt to discourage owners from allowing their homes to remain vacant for long periods of time.


Currently, propertied that are empty for more than 12 months are eligible for a 10% council tax discount, but from April 2014, the owners will lose that discount, as well as having to pay an additional 50% on their council tax bill.

From April 2015, that levy will rise to 100%.

It is thought the move will increase income from council tax by an estimated £386,000 next year and by £709,000 in 2015/16.

According to the latest figures, there are around 660 domestic properties in Moray which have been unoccupied for at least 12 months.

(JP/CD)