Tax on empty houses could be doubled

LOCAL authorities may double the council tax on long-term empty houses as part of a plan to raise millions of pounds to help build new homes.

If Scotland's 32 councils were to double the current rate - a levy ranging between 50 and 90 per cent of the full amount - up to 130 million could be raised over the next four years.

The move could increase the supply of housing especially in the private rented sector, where demand is high as well as sustaining rural communities.

With additional revenue, the Scottish Government hopes 800 affordable homes can be built annually, supporting about 1,500 jobs in construction