Council tax rates will double on second homes and empty properties in parts of Cambridgeshire from next year, to encourage people to sell or rent these homes to help solve the housing crisis. Some CambridgeshireLive readers in our comments section have welcomed the move by the council.

South Cambridgeshire District Council estimates that there are 2,640 empty homes and 360 second homes in its area, which could be brought back into use or sold or rented on. Incentives are available to help with the cost of renovating a home that isn't in a suitable condition to be moved on, including VAT relief.

The council has been using other means to bring empty homes back into use too, such as serving warnings and Community Protection Notices against the........

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