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Council tax charges for second homes and properties that have been empty for over a year will be doubled from next April in a West Sussex district.

Arun District Council said the move follows a change in the law as part of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

The change, which was approved by the council last March, must be agreed a year before the first charges are made.

Leader of the council Martin Lury, said: “It doesn’t seem right that homes are sitting empty when rents are rising, housing waiting lists are growing and getting on the property ladder is out of reach.

“We hope that increasing these charges will lead to a number of properties being sold or let, which in turn will have a positive impact on housing supply across the district.”

The council added there are some exemptions, such as if a resident has recently died or if a home is being actively marketed for sale.

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