London boroughs should have the power to increase the council tax on expensive homes that are left empty, according to calls from Sadiq Khan.
The London mayor has written to the Government requesting boroughs be allowed to boost the empty home council tax levy by more than 50% on high-value properties.
The letter argues this would generate extra revenue for councils to build more affordable homes, and incentivise owners from leaving homes empty.
Mayor Khan said: 'In the midst of a housing crisis, just one home left unoccupied is one too many. That is why I will be working closely with boroughs like Westminster City Council to fight Londoners’ corner by calling for the Government to allow boroughs to charge a higher council tax on empty properties at a rate that makes a difference.'
Research published last year shows that the greatest number of empty homes in the capital were in prime and expensive locations.
Leader of Westminster Council, Cllr Nickie Aiken, added: 'I support the mayor’s proposal for greater flexibility to be afforded to local authorities around the amount that could be levied on empty homes. Not only is it an important message to send out, it would also generate additional funds to be invested in our areas for the benefit of local residents.'
