Extra tax plan for empty houses

Councils are in line to receive new powers which will allow them to increase the tax on empty houses, the Scottish Government has said.

Under the proposals, local authorities will be able to impose a levy of up to 100 per cent of the standard council tax charge, with the proceeds going towards more affordable housing.

The levy would vary depending on the tax band.

As an example, the owner of an empty £212,000 house in Edinburgh could be liable for an extra £2,338 council tax.