MORE than 20 properties in Barnsley have been left empty for over a decade and under new rules the owners’ council tax bill is set to sky-rocket.
Cabinet members will meet in the new year to discuss the council tax base for the upcoming year.
In the report, councillors have been made aware of the number of empty properties currently in Barnsley - and they’ve been told how much council tax they will need to pay.
Councils can charge owners a premium of 100 per cent - a total 200 per cent council tax charge - on unfurnished properties after a year or more.
There are currently 508 properties that are being charged this premium - an increase of 13 from last year.
A report said: “After a period of five years or more, local authorities can increase the premium to 200 per cent (or a 300 per cent council tax charge) for any property left empty and unfurnished.
“There are currently 73 empty properties that have been empty more than five years and are charged this premium (a decrease of seven since last
year).
“In addition to the above, the council can also charge a premium of 300 per cent (or a 400 per cent council tax charge) for any properties left empty and unfurnished for a period of ten years or more.
“There are 26 properties being charged this premium (an increase of six properties).”
Councillors will also discuss the authority’s council tax support scheme.
There are currently a number of discounts in place for the elderly, those on benefits and care leavers - and the council has confirmed that these schemes will remain in place.
The report added: “The council currently operates a Local Council Tax Support scheme (LCTS) that provides financial support to eligible claimants.
“Under the council tax support provisions, the scheme for pensioners is determined by central government whereas the scheme for working age claimants is determined locally by the council.
“The council introduced a new scheme for all eligible working age claimants during 2020.
“This new scheme provides more targeted support to those in most need and is provided based on a simple ‘income grid’ model where different bands of entitlement are based on individual household circumstances and income.
“This scheme is provided as a discount against the council tax due, the total estimated amount to be paid translates into a reduction in the tax base.
“During the summer of 2024 a full fundamental review of the current scheme was carried out and a refreshed scheme was introduced in April 2025.
“This scheme will continue to operate in 2026/27.”
