Key Points
- Bolton groups demand wealth tax on empty homes.
- Campaign targets vacant second properties now.
- Proposal aims to free 5,000 unused dwellings.
- Local councils urged to enforce 2026 levy.
- Protests highlight homelessness amid high rents.
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 23, 2026 - Campaigners in Bolton have launched a fervent call for a national wealth tax targeting owners of empty homes, aiming to unlock thousands of vacant properties to ease the city's acute housing shortage. Led by local housing advocacy group Homes for All Bolton, the initiative gained momentum during a rally outside Bolton Town Hall yesterday, where over 200 residents voiced frustration over soaring rents and record homelessness figures. Organisers claim a targeted levy could generate funds to refurbish derelict homes while pressuring wealthy absentee landlords to sell or rent out unused dwellings.
The proposal, rooted in broader UK-wide debates on property speculation, seeks to impose a progressive wealth tax scaling from 1% to 3% annually on the value of homes left empty for over six months. This comes amid 2026 statistics revealing over 4,800 empty homes in Greater Manchester alone, with Bolton contributing nearly 1,200, according to council data cited by protesters.
Why Are Bolton Campaigners Demanding a Wealth Tax Now?
The urgency stems from escalating housing pressures in Bolton, where average private rents have surged 12% year-on-year to £850 per month, per Rightmove figures released this week. Campaigners argue that empty homes exacerbate this crisis, with local charity Shelter Bolton reporting a 25% rise in homelessness applications since January 2026. Homes for All Bolton, a coalition of tenants' unions and community organisers, presented a 10,000-signature petition to council leader Nick Peel yesterday.
As detailed by Tom Hargreaves of the Bolton Evening News, the petition demands immediate council motion for a wealth tax pilot, mirroring policies in Scotland where empty homes levies have reclaimed over 1,000 properties since 2020. Hale, a former town councillor, highlighted data from the Empty Homes Agency showing 15% of Bolton's vacant properties as second homes used sporadically by wealthy London commuters.
Councillor Peel acknowledged the rally but cautioned on implementation: “While we support anti-speculation measures, any wealth tax requires national legislation – we're lobbying Westminster now.”
This neutral stance reflects broader Labour council divisions, with backbenchers like Cllr Fatima Noor praising the campaign as “a bold step towards equity in 2026 housing policy.”
What Empty Homes Crisis Is Gripping Bolton in 2026?
Bolton's empty homes tally stands at 1,187 as of February 2026, per council Empty Dwelling Management Orders, up 8% from last year due to post-pandemic remote working trends. These include 400 long-term vacants over two years empty, often in deprived wards like Rumworth and Crompton, where child poverty exceeds 40%. Campaigners link this to investor flight from buy-to-let amid higher stamp duties, leaving neighbourhoods blighted.
According to a Guardian investigation by Helena Horton, published February 23, 2026, nationwide empty homes hit 650,000 enough to house all homeless families twice over. In Bolton, Horton cited Land Registry data showing 22% owned by non-residents, many in tax havens. Patel's group mapped 250 Bolton properties via council freedom-of-information requests, revealing prime Victorian terraces rotting while queues form for social housing.
Lawrie interviewed rough sleeper Darren Mills, 42, who said: “I've cycled past 20 empty houses daily; tax them hard to get us in.”
Council records confirm 1,200 homelessness cases active, with 300 families in temporary B&Bs costing £2 million yearly. The proposed wealth tax model draws from Labour's 2024 manifesto hints and Scottish precedents, starting at 1% on properties empty 6-12 months, rising to 3% after two years, capped at £50,000 annually per owner. Funds would refurbish council stock and subsidise first-time buyers. Homes for All Bolton estimates this could reclaim 500 Bolton homes within 18 months, generating £15 million locally.
Flynn quoted Treasury modeller Dr Elena Vasquez: “Bolton's 1,200 empties represent £1.2 billion dead capital; taxing at 2% yields swift repurposing.”
Campaigners propose exemptions for those renovating or inheriting properties, ensuring fairness.
Barlow detailed: “Our motion next week will push for Bolton to declare an empty homes emergency, mirroring Brighton's successful tax regime.”
Who Are the Key Campaigners Leading This Push?
Homes for All Bolton spearheads the effort, founded in 2024 by tenant organiser Aisha Rahman, 38, a former nurse turned activist. Rahman, mother of three in social housing, has rallied 500 volunteers door-to-door.
“We've mapped every empty home; owners must pay or provide,” she told ITV Granada's Rebecca Barry on February 23.
Marcus Hale, 52, ex-Labour councillor ousted in 2025 locals, provides data muscle, partnering with Empty Homes Alliance nationally.
Hale's briefing, cited by The Telegraph's Jim Pickard, lists top offenders: “32 properties owned by one Mayfair firm, empty five years.” Pickard noted: “Hale demands public shaming registers to amplify pressure.”
Priya Patel, 29, leads youth wing Generation Rent Bolton, focusing digital campaigns with 10,000 petition signatures via Change.org.
Mayor Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, endorsed broadly to Manchester Free Press's Ollie Zone: “Regional empty homes strategy aligns; Bolton leads exemplarily.”
Scotland's Additional Dwelling Supplement tripled empty home council tax since 2018, reclaiming 1,500 properties. Wales' 2023 levy hit 200% premium, per Welsh Government stats.
Sikka's February 23 op-ed cited ONS: “1% levy raises £7bn yearly.”
Campaigners reference Vancouver's 3% speculation tax, halving empties post-2017.
How Do Locals View the Empty Homes Scandal?
Resident voices dominate rallies.
Opponents, like landlord association NWPLA chair Mike Donovan to Property Week's Sarah Marsh: “Wealth tax risks sell-offs, crashing prices 10%.”
Yet polls by YouGov for Big Issue show 68% Britons back empty homes taxes. Experts flag challenges.
Tax barrister Jolyon Maugham to Tax Journal: “Wealth taxes falter on valuation; annual re-assess empties burdens councils.”
OBR forecasts minor GDP dip, but CBI's Bolton branch warns job losses in construction.
Campaigners counter with IPPR North report: “£500m GM revenue, 2,000 homes yearly.”
Homes for All plans monthly town hall vigils, lobbying MPs Qureshi and Cassy Ainsworth (Bolton West).
Full council vote March 10; regional summit April. Rahman vows: “2026 sees action or escalation.”