Vacant properties should be taxed to get them put to use

DERELICT properties should be taxed, the outgoing Treasury minister has said.

Deputy Charles Parkinson, who will stand down after this month's election, responded to calls that were made at the St Sampson's hustings to target empty properties after latest figures showed there were 357 vacant units in the island.

He said that while his department had not considered taxing them, he was in favour of putting a levy on derelict property.

Blanche Tabel, 88, said she was shocked to hear how many homes were not being used.

The retired grandmother would rather that they were rented instead of being left doing nothing.