HC Deb 10 April 2002 vol 383 c76W
Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps are being taken to incentivise the renovation and conversion of empty properties which have fallen into disuse. [48591]

Ms Keeble

In the Budget 2001 the Government introduced a reduced 5 per cent. rate of VAT on the renovation of single household dwellings that have been empty for three years or more. We have recently consulted on proposals to give local authorities discretion to charge full council tax on long-term empty homes. Our planning policies include a package of tough new measures—including a brownfield first policy to meet the country's housing needs in the most sustainable way possible.

To tackle problems in areas of low housing demand where empty homes proliferate, we intend to overhaul legislation governing private sector renewal and introduce selective licensing of private sector landlords. We are also looking at further options for more concerted action on a larger scale.