Residents are being asked for their views on planned changes to Council Tax discounts on empty properties.

The proposals are to change the current level of discount on empty properties that are substantially unfurnished and also the length of time the discount applies.

Under the plans, the current 75% discount period would be reduced by three months so that full Council Tax was payable after three months instead of the current six months. This would affect an estimated 600 properties.

The council is also considering whether to introduce either a 25% or 50% premium when a property has been empty for two years or more. This would mean that the owner would be required to pay the full Council Tax plus an additional 25% or 50%. This would affect an estimated 200 properties.

The proposed changes are designed to support the council’s aim of bringing empty properties back into use more quickly and to help reduce anti-social behaviour around empty properties.

The changes would also enable the council to continue to provide services at current levels and to generate additional income at a time when Central Government grants continue to reduce.

Cllr Roger Sutcliffe, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Mansfield District Council, said: “We have written to 3,000 people including those who would be affected by the proposed changes and other general Council Tax payers to ask them to complete the survey. We want as many people as possible to give their views on the proposed changes before a final decision is taken in January.”

Cllr Sutcliffe is expected to make the decision in January and any changes that are made, would start from 1 April 2015.

The short survey can be completed online at www.mansfield.gov.uk/counciltaxchanges until 21 December or please contact 01623 463167 if you would like a paper copy to be sent to you.