1. Landlords have come out in force with a concerted campaign demanding the government to tell councils not to charge council tax on empty rental homes during the crisis.

Due to the pandemic many rental homes have been left empty as tenants are unable to move and others prior to the restrictions coming into force, had moved to be nearer their family.

The local authorities are still charging council tax on empty rental homes as landlords having no chance of having them occupied and also subject to paying utility bills.

A trade association is calling for the government to tell councils that rental homes left empty because of the coronavirus should be exempt from the tax.

The association’s recent survey found that 41% of landlords are extremely concerned about that they will have to continue to pay council tax and utility bills without receiving any rental income.

A spokesperson for the association, said: “It is manifestly unfair for landlords to be asked to pay for council tax on properties which are empty, and are likely to remain so, because of the impact of the pandemic. Whilst we remain supportive of the measures taken so far by the Government, landlords are being asked to absorb more costs at a time when they are least able.

“Unlike most small businesses and the self-employed, there has been no direct support package announced for landlords. Removing this unnecessary burden would at least help those landlords who are struggling with drastically reduced income.”

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