OWNERS of empty homes in Clydebank could be eligible for council tax refunds under a new scheme.

West Dunbartonshire Council confirmed this week that it would refund additional council tax payments imposed on people who had left their homes vacant, if they met specific criteria.

The news comes after councillors agreed earlier this year to charge landlords double the council tax on empty properties in a bid to bring these homes back into use.

This summer, the local authority has confirmed that those extra payments will be refunded to people who can prove they were refurbishing the house to live in, or were actively marketing the property but experiencing delays beyond their control.

The refunds will be backdated to April 2014.

Residents now have six months to contact the council to apply for a refund or adjustment of outstanding council tax debt.

In a further change, any new owners who purchase a property will be exempt from paying council tax for up to three months to allow them to make their home habitable.

Another discretionary period of up to nine months will be considered to bring the property back into use if the owner has agreed a plan with the council to occupy their property. Under this option, the owner must commit to eight-weekly inspections to review progress.

Owners of existing empty properties that require work to be completed to bring the property up to a suitable standard for sale, rent or to live in will also be exempt from paying the additional council tax for up to three months if they too agree to inspections to check work is progressing.

Councillor Kath Ryall, convener of corporate services, said: ““We want to make sure that anyone who is genuinely trying to refurbish a property and is held up by circumstances outwith their control such as a delay in workmen attending their home, unforeseen repairs, or even a setback due to council procedures is not out of pocket. The new exemptions we have introduced will ensure this.” For more information, or to apply for a refund telephone 01389 737444.