Empty properties in the Moorlands could be charged an extra 300 percent council tax if they have been vacant for long enough after a district council proposal was approved.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Councillors approved a new Empty Properties Levy at a meeting earlier today (Wednesday 2nd February).

Now that the proposals have been approved, a levy of 300 percent council tax can be imposed on properties that have been empty for at least 10 years, from 1st April 2022.

The council can already impose a 100 percent council tax levy for properties that have been empty for two years, and 200 percent for those that have been empty for four years, but this latest 300 percent levy is a new addition following the Council Tax Act 2018, which has given them the power to bring it in.

Councillors were informed at today's meeting that around 60 properties in the Moorlands would qualify for the new 300 percent levy, although some exceptions may be made depending on the circumstances, such as if the property is being actively marketed for sale.

Cllr Kevin Jackson, representing Biddulph East, welcomed the plans, saying: "I welcome this, it's a carrot and stick thing, and the stick part is financially hitting people who just let properties stand empty.

"I'd also welcome what we can do to help people. If we can get even half of these 60 properties back into use it could be homes for people and stop them from being an eyesore."

Councillors then agreed to approve the levy.