Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said that tougher rules were necessary, after raising concerns that the current system, where councils wait up to six months to seize control of an empty property, infringes civil liberties.

Under the new plans, councils will be allowed to seize control of empty properties that have become magnets for vandalism, squatters and anti-social behaviour.

Pickles said: “There is a case for action to put boarded-up and blighted properties back into use. But these draconian and heavy-handed state powers have allowed councils to seize private homes in perfect condition, including their fixtures and fittings, just because the homes have been empty for a short while.”

Pickles also expressed his concern over councils that have used the current system to instigate action against homeowners inappropriately.

“People suffering the loss of a loved one should not have to endure the added indignity of having their home seized because of a delay in them deciding what to do with it,” he said.

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The change in the system comes as the government prepares to introduce plans to bring back into use the properties in England that have been left unoccupied for a long period of time.

From next year, councils will bring empty properties back into use through a New Homes Bonus, under which the government will match the council tax raised from any council tax collected from a property that previously stood empty.