Enfield and Haringey Councils are slapping higher taxes on empty homes in a bid to boost housing supply and bring in more revenue.

Both local authorities this week announced they would increase the council tax premium on long-term empty homes from 50 per cent to 100 per cent.

It is hoped the extra charges – which come on top of the standard council tax bill – will encourage people to put their homes on the market, as London continues to face an acute housing shortage.

Enfield Council expects the move will raise an extra £221,615 a year, while in Haringey it could bring in £185,000 – although the amounts could fall as homes are brought back into use.

The charges, which come in response to changes to government legislation, will apply from April 1 to homes that have been left empty and substantially unfurnished for two years.

At a meeting of Haringey’s cabinet on Tuesday, Cllr Patrick Berryman, cabinet member for finance, said: “The Labour group manifesto in 2018 was clear we are committed to redistributing the burden of council tax and ensuring the greatest weight is placed on the broadest shoulders.

“We are ensuring we target support at those residents in particular need. However, until we get a change in government we face further restrictions on our ability to support residents due to tight funding.

“In this financial context, we believe it is right to increase the premium payable on long-term empty properties.”

Cllr Berryman pointed out revenues would fall as homes were brought back into use but said the contribution to the council’s finances would be “a net positive for a year or two at least”.

Enfield Independent: Haringey Civic CentreHaringey Civic Centre

Some groups, such as members of the Armed Forces who are posted away from home long term, will be exempt from the extra charges.

Enfield’s cabinet agreed to roll out the higher charges at a meeting on Wednesday.

The cabinet also pledged to keep the level of council tax support for low-income households at the same level as last year, with a minimum contribution for working age households not in a protected group at 26.5 per cent.

The collection rate for council tax has climbed to 98 per cent, which Enfield’s deputy leader Cllr Daniel Anderson called a “fantastic figure”.

He said: “The public are concerned about their money, and if you are paying council tax you want to see councils doing the best they can to collect. I think that is really commendable.”