The Scottish Government has given local authorities in the country discretionary powers to encourage property owners to turn their empty properties back into use.

Local authorities can now remove the empty property discount or increase council tax by up to 100% on those properties that have been lying for one year or more.

Now, Angus Council has said it is to survey the owners of its long-term properties to gather information about the reason for homes being left unattended. The information will subsequently help the authority to shape changes in its tax policy for empty properties.

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The changes would allow Councils greater flexibility in relation to the council tax applied on long-term empty properties, where previously they would only have been able to vary the level of discount from a minimum of 10%.

In a statement, the Council said owners of empty homes will shortly receive a survey which should be returned to the council in the pre-paid envelope provided by 31 October, or they can complete the survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/j2yscff.

(JP/CD)