HOMEOWNERS who deliberately leave properties empty will be ordered to pay thousands of pounds extra in council tax.

Rochford Council is changing the current 50 per cent premium for empty homes of more than two years and owners could instead face triple the charge in a bid to reduce the number of families homeless while houses remain unused.

The move means some will face council tax bills of more than £6,000 for properties they own but are not using.

The bill will be for unoccupied or substantially unfurnished homes left empty for more than two years.

The council has voted to impose a 100 per cent premium this year with a 200 per cent charge expected the following year and 300 per cent by 2021.

The move was unanimously approved at a meeting on Tuesday. Terry Cutmore, leader of the council, said: “We have got empty homes in Rochford, and we have homes that could be available.

“The homes need to be used and we’re taking this step forward to ensure they are.

“There was no opposition in our meeting, everyone seemed to think it was a good idea and that it can only lead to positive outcomes.

“Yes, some people will have to pay more, but the key is to get homes back on the radar and get them being used. No one wants to see an empty home.

“That’s what the idea is all about, we really want to drive through to people that houses are needed and can’t be left empty for so long.”

The average wait for someone in Band B housing – those who have an urgent need to move – to be allocated a house with two or more bedrooms in the district is more than three years.

Mr Cutmore added: “It’s always a difficult one, some do not want development, and I can understand that, but we have lots of green spaces in Rochford. Our main commitment is the people who are truly homeless, who come to us when they truly have no other place to go. We can get them housed.” It is hoped the threat of extra charged will see more homes come back into use.