Members of the cabinet agreed that such a move would have a number of disadvantages, especially in the current economic climate.

The move had been suggested by members of the Community Services Scrutiny Panel who wanted the rate reducing from 50 per cent to 25 per cent, once a property has been empty for six months.

But Councillor Amanda Byrne, Portfolio Folder for Community Services, said: "We gave this matter serious consideration but Cabinet was in agreement that such a move could hit individual owners who may already be encountering financial difficulties. It would also put a financial burden on residents who may have inherited the home after losing a loved one.

"I firmly believe that it is wrong for the council to make a decision that would ultimately lead to people having to consider selling their homes at a time when property prices are falling significantly. Additionally, as we have seen from the work done by officers over recent months, some of these properties are already being actively marketed, but unable to sell in the current climate."

She said such a measure would also have a negative effect on local businesses.

"A number of developers are already mothballing sites and there have been significant redundancies within the building industry. To add to the burden is hardly going to help keep them in business or reduce further job losses."