More than 200 empty houses in Blackburn with Darwen could see their council tax double by being officially classified as 'second homes'.

They include vacant properties which the owner has furnished to try and dodge the penalty charge for leaving them unoccupied for long periods.

Blackburn with Darwen Council finance boss Cllr Vicky McGurk has authorised the change, which could affect 226 houses due to come in from April 1, 2025.

In an executive member decision report she said: "The government through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 announced the introduction of a new discretionary power to enable councils to implement a council tax premium of 100 per cent on second homes.

"Adopting this policy would therefore increase the bill from the current rate of 100 per cent to 200 per cent.

"The act recognises the impact that high levels of second home ownership can have in some areas.

"Whilst the areas impacted most greatly by second homes tends to be holiday and city destinations, Blackburn with Darwen does still have 226 properties designated as such.

"Due to the council’s full use of the discretionary premium charge for long-term empty properties, it has become evident some council tax payers have chosen to avoid the charge by placing furniture in an empty property.

"This then cancels the long-term empty premium as the property is then classed as a second home which currently has a 100 per cent charge.

"When adopting a second homes policy councils must ensure that the decision has been made at least one year before the beginning of a financial year to which it relates.

"Therefore it will come into effect from April 2025.

"The main driver is that it will encourage owners to bring the property back into use.

"The secondary reason is also the increased council tax that would be generated.

"There are 226 properties currently registered as being unoccupied and furnished and therefore second homes.

"Applying a premium of 100 per cent to the properties would generate an additional £387,988.89 in council tax.

"This is extremely unlikely to be the amount raised after the exception reasons have been applied. In addition, some accounts will remain unpaid.

"With the shortage of housing across the borough it important that the availability of housing is maximised.

"It does close an existing loop hole that allows owners to avoid long-term empty property premiums by furnishing a property."