Last updated:
30th December 2024
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Detached Residential Properties with Long-Term Vacancy and Council Tax Arrears
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I am writing to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding residential properties within the Wokingham Borough Council area. Specifically, I am seeking information related to Detached Houses (Council Tax Bands E, F, G, and H) that are currently unoccupied. To assist in identifying properties that are truly abandoned or "ghost homes" (those staged with minimal furniture to appear occupied), I am requesting data that includes tax arrears. Please provide the following information:
1. Long-Term Empty Properties (Unfurnished):
• The total number of detached houses (Bands E–H) currently recorded as "unoccupied and substantially unfurnished" for more than 1 year.
• For these properties, please provide the street name, full postcode, and the length of time they have been vacant.
• Please state the total amount of outstanding Council Tax debt (arrears) currently associated with these properties.
2. "Second Home" / Furnished Empty Properties:
• The total number of detached houses (Bands E–H) currently subject to the 100% Second Home Premium (as introduced on 1 April 2025).
• For these properties, please provide the street name and full postcode.
• Please provide the total amount of outstanding Council Tax debt (arrears) associated with these "second home" accounts.
3. High-Debt "Ghost" Properties:
• Please provide a list of street names and postcodes for any detached property (Bands E–H) that is currently unoccupied (under either the Empty or Second Home category) where the total Council Tax debt exceeds £5,000.
4. Ownership of Corporate Assets:
• For any property identified in the above lists that is owned by a Limited Company, Housing Association, or other Public Body, please provide the name of the owning entity.
Public Interest & Section 31: I am aware that the Council has previously applied Section 31 (Law Enforcement) to withhold exact house numbers. However, given that unoccupied properties with high tax arrears represent a loss of public revenue and potential neglect of high-value housing stock, I request that you provide at least the street name and full postcode. This ensures transparency regarding the Council's debt recovery performance without pinpointing an exact front door.
