Support for moves to bring empty homes in Perthshire back into use

Efforts to bring empty properties in Perth and Kinross back into use have won the support of councillors.

They agreed to adopt new regulations, to come into force from April 1 next year, implemented by the Scottish Government that allow them to vary council tax on unoccupied properties.

“Based on our annual billing, we estimate that around 2,780 dwellings might be affected by the new regulations, but if we can bring just a small proportion of these back into use it would have a significant effect on affordable housing supply in our area,” Councillor Ian Miller said.

The move means that for unoccupied properties a 10% discount will be awarded rather than the 50% available now for the period up to 12 months.