Council Tax premium for second homes in Cornwall approved
A letter will be sent to the government to increase the premium for second homeowners
Last updated 17th Jan 2023
Plans to impose a premium on Council Tax bills for second homeowners have been officially approved.
Cornwall Council discussed the topic at their first full meeting of 2023.
The new premium could be introduced in April 2024 if the relevant legislation is formally approved by Parliament before the end of March this year.
Cllr Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “One of our key priorities as an administration has been to address the housing issues we face in Cornwall, and today’s decision will help us to do just that".
The proposals, which were approved by the Cabinet last month, could be worth up to an additional £25 million in revenue for the authority each year.
When introducing the proposal, Councillor Harris added: “I am sure that some people will be trying to find ways to dodge this extra charge and I can assure you that I will be working with officers to look at every possible dodge and how we block these".
The resolution was approved unanimously by the council.
Cllr Taylor added: “By increasing the premium on second homes, we will be not only increasing revenue, but also making people think about what they do with these properties, many of which are empty for much of the year.
“I am pleased by today’s result, it is a good start to the New Year for Cornwall".