Empty Home Owner's Council Tax Shock

A million home owners who do not live full time in their property could see their council tax rocket in April, as most automatic discounts are to end.  The change, which will affect second homes and empty properties in England, could see bills for 2013-14 rise by 200%. Previously, such properties had benefited from a 50% discount.  The new rules give councils more freedom to raise money locally and bring empty homes into use.  Councils do not have to increase taxes on second homes and empty property. But the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) says early evidence suggests most of them are doing so.  Read more on the BBC website.