Second homeowners in York to pay double council tax

Second homeowners in the City of York are set to see their council tax double after councillors unanimously agreed to the 100 per cent premium.

After making this decision, councillors in the city said they hoped it would encourage people to sell or rent their properties to help residents who are struggling to find a place to live.   

During a City of York council meeting this month, authorities discovered the National Housing Federation, a UK leading housing provider, had found over 400 properties in York during 2021-21 were second homes and used for less than 70 days, leaving them empty for the majority of the year.

As a result of this, tax bills for second homes will double as soon as legislation has been implemented in Westminster, said a spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat Party, who initially proposed the change.

The political party have said: ‘Second home ownership in York was estimated at 429 in 2021, according to the National Housing Federation, and is recognised to have a negative impact in terms of the supply of homes available to meet local housing needs.

‘It is excepted that, once implemented, the premium could provide over a £740K boost to council’s finances to deliver crucial local services, including provision of affordable homes.’

Commenting on the issue, Tony Fisher, Lib Dem Cllr, said the huge number of second homes in York are ‘undoubtably’ adding to the housing issue.

‘Many of these second homes are ‘investment’ properties, restricting housing supply and maintaining high property prices, to the detriment of those locals seeking to buy’, he said, ‘York cannot afford to have large numbers of homes lying empty and unoccupied for most of the year, when there are many people in need of housing.’

However, although plans for second home owners in York are set to double council tax, there are other locations in the UK that are ramping up prices even higher. In Cornwall, councillors are eager for council tax to triple for people who own more than one property. 

Photo by The New York Public Library