The Levelling Up bill - currently awaiting royal assent – allows councils to enforce up to double the amount of council tax. Second homes are considered a significant issue in the county, particularly on the coast and in the national park.
Second homes are considered a significant issue in the county
Deputy leader Cllr Richard Wearmouth – speaking at the council’s meeting on Monday – confirmed that the council will implement the measures as soon as April 2024, provided the Government legislation successfully passes through parliament.
He said: “We will approve, subject to the levelling up bill, the implementation of a 100% empty-homes premium after April 1st 2024, and via the same bill implement a 100% premium for second homes in the county.”
Also speaking at the meeting, council leader Glen Sanderson said: “We’re deeply aware and very grateful to all those people who came up during the last two pandemic years who liked Northumberland so much that they spent their hard-earned money on buying second homes, which is great.
"Less housing is available for local people"
“But, the outcome in many places has been that it has meant less housing is available for local people. We feel that this might bring extra funding into it and ensure more local people can live locally.”
