Council tax discount changes closer
Order laid before Scottish Parliament permitting reduction on discount for second homes
An Order has been laid in the Scottish Parliament giving councils power to reduce the current 50 per cent discount on council tax on second homes and long-term empty properties.
Under the Order, which will come into effect at the start of financial year 2005-06, individual councils will have a discretion to reduce the amount of discount to between 10 and 50 per cent.
Any additional income generated will be retained locally and used to provide new-built affordable social housing.
Associated guidance - drafted in consultation with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Communities Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations - has been issued to all local authorities setting out the detailed arrangements for the new powers.
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