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<p>The number of empty homes is at its lowest since records began in 2004. In May
2010 over 300,000 homes in England had been standing empty for longer than 6 months.
As of October 2016 the number of long-term empty properties had fallen to 200,145.
Local authorities have powers and strong incentives to tackle empty homes. Through
the New Homes Bonus they earn the same financial reward for bringing an empty home
back into use as building a new one. Councils may also charge up to 150 per cent council
tax for homes empty for over two years.</p>
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