EMPTY properties could be charged up to three times more in council tax.

A consultation has been launched as the local authority looks to hike up council tax for properties which have been unoccupied for two years or more.

There are currently 1,375 empty properties in Bolton that have remained unoccupied for six months or more.

This includes 425 properties that have been empty for tow years or more and 215 properties that have been empty for more than five years.

Currently, properties which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for two years or more are currently subject to an additional 50 per cent council tax premium.

Under new powers, this could be doubled from April 1 2020 and properties which have been empty for five years could face a 200 per cent additional premium.

A 300 per cent premium could be applied for properties which have been empty for 10 years or more from 2021/22.

Borough treasurer Sue Johnson said the council is proud of its policy on empty properties.

She said: "This is not a way of bringing more money into the council. We are really doing this to bring properties into use."

Dwellings will be exempt until six months after probate in the case of death.

Cabinet approved the consultation on Monday.