Derby Council Tax Aim is Occupancy Not Money Says Council Leader

Derby wants to get more homes occupied. Leaders claim the council is not after more money. They want to provide homes for people. They approved a tax on empty homes. This tax is double the normal rate. It applies after one year of being empty.

This change starts in April. It should bring in about £1.6 million. Second homes will also get this tax. That starts in April 2026. About 778 empty homes will incur this tax, along with 179 second homes.

The city consulted the public last year. Most people agreed with the plan. Forty-seven percent strongly agreed with it. Eighteen percent also agreed with the changes.

The council thinks more occupied homes will help. Empty homes are often linked to problems, including anti-social behavior. One council member wanted to address empty homes and asked about using empty properties.

He says the goal is not money, but to get these properties occupied. Council tax payers will face some changes as discounts and the new taxes will change. This should encourage people to use these homes.

The council wants to open up homes, so they should not remain empty. They want to turn homes around quickly. Another councillor supports the move and believes the city will support it too.