Number of empty properties in borough falls significantly

Decisions taken over the past few years to introduce a significant council tax premium for empty homes is having the desired effect in Cheshire East.

At a full council meeting in December 2020, Cheshire East Council determined that properties that had been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for at least 10 years would be subject to a 300 per cent council tax premium. This is in addition to charges for those properties left empty more than two years (100 per cent premium) and more than five years (200 per cent premium).

The total number of empty properties in Cheshire East has reduced by 269 since October 2020. This includes 12 properties, which had been empty more than 10 years and 13 which had been empty more than 5 years.

The council estimates that 1,800 new homes will be built locally each year. However, in the last 12-month period expectations were exceeded and 2,549 new homes were built.

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “Reducing the number of empty homes is a major challenge nationally although in Cheshire East I am glad to say that we are in a much better position. As I said during National Empty Homes Week in February, we are certainly not about to become complacent though."

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “It is very satisfying to see how policy change can have such a positive outcome. Bringing empty homes back into use is part of our corporate plan and this work will continue in the months and years ahead."

Cheshire East Council also provides advice and assistance to people wanting to bring a property back into use. If you are aware of a property that has remained empty for some time, the council would like to know about it. The easiest way to do that is to complete our ‘Report an Empty Home’ online form and share with us. 

If you own a property that has been empty for a period of time, then we can also support you. Please call 0300 123 5017, select option 4 and we will be very happy to help.