HOMEOWNERS across Allerdale with properties that have stood empty for more than two years will have to pay higher council tax from April.

The move was agreed by the council’s executive as part of an initiative to tackle the blight and encourage people to bring the houses back into use.

The number of “long-term vacant” properties across the borough has risen from 302 in October 2013 to 357 in October 2018.

The highest number of empty homes is in Workington with 94, then Maryport with 49 followed by Keswick with 29 and Cockermouth with 23.

But council chiefs hoped the council tax premium hike will help slash the number of derelict eyesores and increase the availability of accommodation available to buy or rent.

From April 1, owners of properties that have remained empty and unfurnished for at least two years will be a 100 per cent premium; 200 per cent for at least five years; and 300 per cent for a decade.

For the last six years, billing authorities in England have had the discretion to charge a premium of up to 50 per cent on “long-term empty dwellings” – homes that have stood empty and mostly unfurnished for at least two years on top of council tax payments.

But in November last year, the chancellor announced plans to introduce legislation that would allow billing authorities like Allerdale to increase the premium from 50 per cent to 100 per cent.

The premium does not apply to homes that are empty because the former occupant is living in armed service accommodation, or annexes used as part of a main property.

Barbara Cannon, Executive Member for Corporate Resources, said: “Allerdale likes to encourage the owners of empty homes to bring their properties back into use. This would support the business plan and enhance our town by taking action.”