Bid to tackle Nuneaton's biggest eyesores from old pub to homes empty for 25 years...

[dutchman]

There are 1,800 empty properties in the borough



A bid is being made to tackle some of Nuneaton's biggest eyesores from an old pub to homes left empty for 25 years. It is no secret that the borough has a huge problem with empty properties.

It has 1,800 buildings standing empty from old shops to homes. This includes the former Kingsholme Pub on Abbey Street, which has stood empty since 2008, and two separate houses on Stoney Road which were put on an exemption list in 2000, meaning 25 years of council tax has gone unpaid.

The council brought in extra charges for second properties, started work on trying to close a legal loophole around shops that have stood empty for years. and employed a new empty property officer. But it has long said that more action is needed and the town's voice in MP Jodie Gosling has introduced a Bill in the House of Commons.

It proposes that properties deemed empty or derelict should no longer be exempt from valuation for council tax purposes. Under current rules, some empty buildings—particularly those not in a habitable condition—may remain outside the council tax system, meaning no council tax can be charged.

The new Bill aims to ensure that these properties are placed on the valuation list so they can be assessed in the same way as any other property.

In her speech to Parliament, the local MP said: "Residents in Nuneaton have grown all too used to high streets and residential areas littered with empty properties. Shuttered up shops and empty storefronts are a major issue on local high streets.

"Vacant houses in disrepair are a real problem for the hundreds of residents on the waiting list for housing. For the young families trying to get onto the property ladder.

"Updating our current registration and exemption rules will provide us with the opportunity to tackle this”.

The bill has been backed by the borough council and its leader, Councillor Chris Watkins said: "Since 2024 we have hired an empty property officer, introduced additional empty property levies, and worked with national organisations to help address this problem.”

“Working with Nuneaton MP Jodie Gosling we are now looking at ways to take this work to the next level. By changing the law regarding empty properties, we will give local authorities more powers to tackle this issue, pushing properties into use and occupation whilst helping to end the drain on fire, rescue, and police services."

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/bid-tackle-nuneatons-biggest-eyesores-33176359

[dutchman]

So really just another way of raising tax revenue?