Dorset Council removes 'second home' tax increase from their agenda
It's been delayed because the Government's not passed a law in time
Last updated 27th Mar 2023
Plans to increase council taxes for second homes and empty properties in Dorset have been removed from the Council's agenda, for now.
The authority wants to double the charges for those who have houses here, but don't use them full time.
That would apply to 5,700 properties in the county, to bring an extra ÂŁ10 million in to Dorset Council.
But the proposals could only go ahead if the Government put through its Levelling and Regeneration Bill, which was hoped to get Royal Assent on 1st April.
That would mean a change in council tax rates could be brought in from April 2024, as a year's notice is required.
The bill has been delayed by Government though, meaning Dorset Council can't make a final decision right now.
Cllr Peter Wharf, Deputy Leader of Dorset Council, said:
“The proposal to introduce council tax premiums on second homes and empty properties continues to be something we are keen to explore, following constructive discussions at Overview committee and Cabinet. We will watch the progress of the government’s new Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill closely and bring this to Full Council once the legislation has passed.”