Council tax to double on empty second homes

Owners of empty second-homes in Chichester will be charged double council tax

Owners of empty second homes in Chichester will be charged twice the usual council tax from April 2025.

The 100% premium on empty homes could raise £580,000 for Chichester District Council and applies to 3,181 second homes in the area.

Around 300 homes could be exempt from the premium charge, including those where the owner has moved into hospital or care.

Councillor Donna Johnson of the Green & Local Alliance said the move is an attempt to address the "very serious problem" of the "detrimental impact" of second home ownership on communities.

The council was able to introduce a the premium as part of the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023.

Ms Johnson said she "welcomes" an act trying to "address the negative impact of second homes on the availability to meet local housing needs".

She said the council tax plans might not impact the number of second homes already in use, but would generate additional funds to protect services.