PEOPLE who have homes in Ryedale that they leave empty will soon have to pay more council tax.

For properties that have been empty long-term, this will be up to a 400 per cent council tax charge.

At a meeting of Ryedale District Council’s policy and resources committee on Thursday, members agreed increases in the charge in line with the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Bill 2017-19.

From April, there will be a doubling of tax for properties that have been empty and unfurnished for two years or more. From 2020, there will be a tripling for properties that have been empty and unfurnished for five years or more, and from 2021, there will be a quadrupling for properties that have been empty and unfurnished for 10 years or more.

Cllr Luke Ives, committee chairman, said: “I strongly support this because I believe that empty properties are a blight on our communities. There are many people who want a home - particularly young people - and they’re having to stay at home with their parents before they get on the property ladder.”

Members voted in favour of the new charges with eight votes for and one abstention. It will now go to full council for final approval.