The government has confirmed new strict rules for some empty homes that will come into effect in the next few weeks.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced that it will introduce tougher rules which will double council tax on long-term empty properties from April 1.

Councils will also gain new powers to impose tax premiums on second homes from next year, reports the Manchester Evening News.

However, a few exceptions will be made to ensure fairness for homeowners. These exceptions will apply to properties left empty for the following reasons:

• A home is uninhabitable due to renovations
• Second homes that are not available for use year-round due to planning restrictions
• Homes that have been inherited

Minister for Local Government Simon Hoare said: “Long term empty properties are shutting local families and young people out of the housing market as they are being denied the opportunity to rent or buy in their own community. So, we are taking action as part of our long-term plan for housing.”

“That means delivering more of the right homes in the right places and giving councils more powers to help give local people the homes they need.”

The new rules are being introduced as part of a long-term government plan to deliver one million homes. This scheme has reportedly been backed up by a £10 billion investment.

The government also claims that the changes will allow councils to budget more money to spend on public services.