Adur and Worthing council tax to be doubled on second homes

There are believed to be 174 second homes in the Adur district and 486 in Worthing

Council tax charges on second homes in Adur and Worthing are to be doubled in 2025.

Councillors hope to encourage owners to sell or let their properties, to help tackle a local housing shortage.

The council tax due on properties that have been empty for at least a year will also be doubled for their owners.

Adur councillor Angus Dunn said: "We have to make sure that every home in the district that can be used, is being used."

An Adur and Worthing Councils spokesperson said a supplementary charge to the amount of council tax due on properties which have been left "unoccupied or substantially unfurnished" for at least a year has also been added.

That change comes in immediately, which means property owners affected will get a council tax bill for twice the normal amount for 2024/25.

Some exemptions apply, including if residents have recently died, if homes are being actively marketed for sale or rent or if major repairs are underway.

Emma Taylor-Beal, Worthing's cabinet member for housing and citizen services, said: "We're in the grip of a housing crisis and as a council for the community, we're doing everything we can to find more properties in Worthing for those who need a roof over their head."

The local authorities believe there are 174 second homes in the Adur district and 486 in Worthing.

There are also 273 long-term empty properties in Adur and 392 in Worthing.

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