Council Tax Premiums
Barking and Dagenham Council has approved a new policy introducing increased council tax premiums for empty homes.
Barking and Dagenham Council approved a new policy in October 2026 to introduce increased council tax premiums for long-term vacant properties and second homes. This decision aims to tackle the borough's 410 empty homes, as presented by Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement.
The policy includes a more robust framework for identification and enforcement of empty properties. A report to the Cabinet noted a significant rise in empty properties in the borough, from 202 in 2015 to 410 in 2025.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham Council approved a new policy on council tax premiums on 13 October 2026. Source
- The policy introduces increased council tax premiums for long-term vacant properties and second homes. Source
- Barking and Dagenham has 410 empty homes. Source
- Empty properties in Barking and Dagenham rose from 202 in 2015 to 410 in 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 14 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.