Draft Legislation to Prioritise Homes for Living In
Draft regulations allowing local authorities to charge up to double the full rate of Council Tax on second homes have been laid before the Scottish Parliament.
If approved, local authorities would be able to apply the Council Tax premium on homes that are not used as a main residence.
This change, a Programme for Government commitment, attracted majority support in a joint consultation with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). It will bring second homes into line with long-term empty homes from 1 April 2024.
In the 2024-25 financial year, it will be based on rates from 2023-24.
The number of properties sitting empty on a long-term basis across Scotland is a concern when we know people are struggling to buy or rent a home.
GRAEME
Similarly, concentrations of second homes can also hit some communities rather than help them, particularly in certain rural areas.
Those who can afford second homes, however, will be making an important contribution to the local area where these plans are enacted.
This change is in line with pledges to empower local authorities to make the right decisions for their area, and aims to help us towards a Scotland where no one is left unable to find a suitable place to call home.
We want everyone in Scotland to have a home that meets their needs. We know second homes can sometimes benefit local communities, but they can also restrict the availability of housing and increase costs for people who want to rent or buy.
PUBLIC FINANCE MINISTER, TOM ARTHUR
Subject to approval by Parliament, this legislation aims to prioritise housing for living in by allowing local authorities to charge a Council Tax premium on second homes. Backed by a majority of respondents to our joint consultation with COSLA, it will enable councils to seek a fair contribution towards local services from second-home owners.
Subject to Parliamentary approval, COSLA very much welcomes the ability for councils to take the decision to increase the premium on second homes in their areas. Allowing the politicians who are closest to their communities to take decisions about what best suits local needs and circumstances is well aligned to the Verity House Agreement.
COSLA RESOURCES SPOKESPERSON, CLLR KATIE HAGMANN
Background
The Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2023
A second home is classed as any home that is not used as someone’s primary residence but that is occupied for at least 25 days in a year.
Council Tax for second and empty homes, and thresholds for non-domestic rates: Consultation analysis
Of those answering the question, 55% of respondents thought that councils should be able to charge a Council Tax premium on top of regular Council Tax rates for these second homes. Support for this position rose to 89% among organisations answering the question.
Latest figures show that as at the end of September 2022 there were 24,287 second homes in Scotland.
Second homes are currently subject to a default 50% discount on Council Tax. However, local authorities can vary Council Tax charges and the majority already charge second home-owners the full rate of Council Tax, the maximum currently allowed.
