Second homeowners face bigger council tax bills

Second homeowners face bigger council tax bills

Thursday, June 13, 2002

The government looks set to announce changes in legislation that will allow local authorities to charge full rates of council tax on second homes that an individual or couple own.

Those with a pied-a-tere or a country getaway are currently entitled to a 50 percent discount from the council tax on the property that is not their main residence. But this is set to change in a move that could generate around £200 million for local authorities.

Under the new legislations, local authorities will have the choice of whether or not to enforce the rules, something which is a dead cert in areas such as Devon, where a high proportion of properties are owned by people who do not live in the area full time.

As was reported earlier in the year local councils are to be granted all sorts of new powers, including the ability to borrow for investment, and increased ability to take responsibility for the regeneration and well being of their own area.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said: "The draft Local Government Bill is a significant step towards delivering our vision for local government and the communities it serves. Our priority is to improve public services and local government is a crucial partner in making this happen."

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