Decision

That a public consultation exercise be undertaken recommending that a 100% Second Home Premium is introduced from 1 April 2025.

Reasons for the decision

Section 80 (2) of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 inserted Section 11C into the Local Government Finance Act 1992 which permits Councils to apply a discretionary Council Tax premium of up to 100% on periodically occupied properties (Second Homes) from 1 April 2025.

The Act requires Local Authorities to give at least one year’s notice of its intention to levy a Second Home premium.

There is no statutory duty to consult on the Second Home Premium however to do so represents best practice and would support the Council’s defence of any future judicial review. Any consultation must be meaningful and having consulted, the Council must have regard to the consultation outcome although it is not bound by it.