Second home owners could see their council tax bill DOUBLE in some of Britain’s tourist hotspots
Town hall leaders from more than a dozen regions, including some of Britain’s best-loved tourist spots, plan to double council tax on second homes.
Local authorities hope the move will stop wealthy foreigners leaving properties empty for much of the year and charging local buyers.
But the policy can only be implemented once the Government’s Regeneration Bill receives Royal Assent, which is expected to be in April 2024.
At least 14 councils, including Cornwall, Bristol and North Yorkshire, have already voted to impose the premium as soon as possible.
Local authorities hope the move will prevent wealthy foreigners from leaving properties empty for much of the year and price local buyers
Local leaders believe the move will raise funds and increase the supply of affordable housing
Last night the Department for Leveling Up said the legislation would empower leaders to ‘address the negative impact second homes can have on communities’.
Local leaders believe the move will raise funds and increase the supply of affordable housing.
Government figures released last year showed 257,331 homes in England were unoccupied for at least six months. But there is little fear that the tax changes will hurt tourism.
Glen Sanderson, who leads Northumberland County Council which voted for the levy, said: ‘Local residents are increasingly concerned that some of our villages have too many second homes while at the same time there is a shortage of local affordable housing. .’
