Views sought on possible Council Tax hike for empty and second homes

VIEWS are being sought on whether local authorities be given the powers to charge up to double the Council Tax applying to empty and second homes.

Says a Scottish Government announcement, here, the idea is being floated by First Minister, Humza Yousaf, at the Scottish Trades Union Congress.

It is being presented as a response to a housing shortage.

The announcement says: “The proposed change would bring second homes into line with long-term empty homes from next year.

“The joint consultation – with the [Convention of Scottish Local Authorities] – will also seek views on further powers to charge more than double rate on both empty and second homes in future years.

“Latest figures show that, in January 2023, there were 42,865 long-term empty homes in Scotland.”

The consultation lasts until July 11.

Picture credit: Place Design Scotland

Comments are welcome – only courteous ones (as per our T&Cs) – but they can only be posted by signed-in members. To sign up, for as little as £12 a year, please go here. Please note, comments appear following moderation (so expect a delay when submitting).