A discount for property owners who possess empty homes across Sutton could be scrapped this year – while council tax premiums for them are hiked.

The council wants to get rid of the 10 percent deduction which is given to properties that are empty – but left furnished – by the start of April.

That would also come with a premium payable on properties left empty for longer than two years from 50 percent to 100 in the same month.

In subsequent years there would be an increase in the same rate by 100 percent the longer the property has been empty for.

So, for example, in April 2020 properties empty for longer than five years would see the premium payable rise from 100 percent to 200.

And it would get hiked from 200 percent to 300 for properties left unoccupied for longer than 10 years.

Councillors are set to discuss the recommendations at the next housing, economy and business (HEB) committee meeting on January 29.

A report from Gerald Almeroth, the council’s strategic director for resources, says the amount of properties with 10 percent discounts has “gradually diminished” over the years.

At the time of the report there were 50 of them, but removing this would “bring it into line with all the other property discounts”.

For premium payables, the new rates would be applied dependent on the council tax band they are in.

For instance, those in band D at the moment would see their premiums rise from £57,699 in 2018/19 to £76,932 the following financial year.

That figure would also increase the longer the property has remained unoccupied for.

The council predicts the removal of the 10 percent discount would net them around £8,000.

Meanwhile, the proposed 200 percent premium on properties left empty for longer than two years could see them make a profit of around £100,000 – including the City Hall precept.

To see the report, click here.