OWNERS of second homes and empty properties will no longer be able to claim council tax discounts.

Maldon District Council has confirmed the new rules will come in to force from April.

The decision follows a public consultation which the council says was supported by residents.

The discounts on properties – including new builds – currently total £450,000 each year.

David Sismey, chairman of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, said: “There is a strong demand for housing in the Maldon District.

“Because of this, it is vital that we make the best use of existing housing, and we will continue our work to minimise the number of empty homes.

“This change in policy should help to encourage empty homes to be brought back into use.

“The cost of empty property discounts and second home discounts is funded by other council tax payers.

“These changes will ensure that other council tax payers in the district are not funding the cost of discounts for those who have empty and second homes.”

Property owners wanting to find out more should visit maldon.gov.uk or call 01621 854477.