Second home owners could see their council tax bill DOUBLE in some of Britain’s tourist hotspots

• Local authorities hope the move will stop outsiders leaving properties empty
• READ MORE: Thousands of families face 5% rise in council tax as two local authorities announce increase

Town hall chiefs in more than a dozen areas, including some of Britain’s best-loved tourist hotspots, are planning to double the council tax on second homes.

Local authorities hope the move will stop wealthy outsiders leaving properties empty for much of the year and pricing out local housebuyers.

But the policy can only be implemented once the Government’s Regeneration Bill receives Royal Assent, which is likely 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 stop wealthy outsiders leaving properties empty for much of the year and pricing out local housebuyers

 Local leaders believe the move will raise money as well as increase affordable housing

Last night the Department for Levelling Up said the legislation would empower leaders to ‘combat the adverse impact second homes can have on communities’.

Local leaders believe the move will raise money as well as increase 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 the tax changes would hurt tourism.

Glen Sanderson, who leads Northumberland County Council which has voted for the tax, said: ‘It has been a growing concern to local residents that some of our villages have too many second homes whilst at the same time there is a shortage of local affordable housing.’

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