Rotherham MBC’s cabinet has agreed to changes which mean homes left vacant for more than 10 years will be expected to pay three times the usual bill. Homeowners who leave properties empty for five years would see their council tax bill double.

From 2020/21 there will be a 200% premium for properties unoccupied and unfurnished for over five years, and from 2021/22 a 300% premium for those left unoccupied and unfurnished for over 10 years will apply.