OWNERS of second homes and empty houses in Calderdale could soon have to pay up to 50 per cent more council tax.
Labour councillors want to curb the available discounts in order to raise cash for more low cost housing.
Slashing the discount on the 2,547 empty homes from 50 per cent just 10 per cent could net the council £1 million while the income from the a
rea's 159 second homes could be up to £100,000 a year.
"Significant progress has been made since we originally called for action to increase the supply of affordable housing but much more needs to be done, particularly in addressing the needs of rural communities," said Coun Barry Collins.
"We will be pushing for action to increase the number of empty properties brought back into use by, for example, abolishing council tax discounts," said the chairman of Calderdale Council Regeneration and Development Panel.
Councillor Collins (Mixenden and Illingworth) also wants the council to update its assessment of Calderdale's housing requirements, in order to identify exactly where, how many and what types of affordable homes are needed.
The proposal will be discussed at a joint meeting with the community services panel on Tuesday.
Community services chairman Mohammed Najib (Lab, Park) said: "Now is the time for decisive action to meet the increasing demand for good quality, low cost housing in our rural and urban communities.
"Abolishing or reducing council tax discounts would not only help to encourage owners to bring their properties back into use but could also generate a significant amount of income, part of which could then be used to help achieve our affordable housing goals," he said.
According to the council's head of housing, Mark Thompson, many councils have reviewed their discounts in recent years and half have scrapped them because they can conflict with local housing policies.
"The issue is one of deterring empty properties while continuing to incentivise development," said Mr Thompson in a report to panel members.
- The 2005 housing requirement study found that Calderdale needs at least
720 more affordable properties to keep pace with demand.
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