NI ‘empty properties’ to be taxed

Under a wide-ranging overhaul of the rate system, empty homes could, from April 2009, incur a rate of 100 per cent, while derelict land could face similar punitive rates from 2010.

The plan hoped to encourage owners to bring as many properties back into use as a way of easing the problem of affordability in the province and reduce what was found to be a disproportionately high number of vacant homes.

However, Grainia Long, director of the Chartered Institute for Housing in NI, warned the money raised must be reinvested in more homes.

“The Executive has rightly recognised the urgent need for more affordable housing, given the rising waiting lists, and high levels of homelessness in NI. The decision to rate empty homes is an opportunity for the government to raise much needed resources to build new homes. I hope the minister will commit the £20 million to build new social housing, in order to meet Executive commitments.”

Plans were also unveiled to reduce the cap on charging rates from £500,000 to £400,000.

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, also met with Housing Minister, Yvette Cooper, to discuss ways of improving the affordability crisis in NI.

Speaking before the meeting, Ritchie said: “We desperately need an injection of capital into social and affordable housing and I will leave no stone unturned. I am keen therefore to hear how the British government plans to deliver on its recent pledge to provide three million more affordable homes in England by 2020.”

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