Inverclyde Council Survey on Council Tax for Second Homes

Tue 05 Dec 2023

People across Inverclyde are being asked to give their views on what level of council tax second homeowners should pay.

The Scottish Government is considering allowing all local authorities in Scotland to apply a council tax premium of up to 100 per cent, or double the normal rate of council tax, on second homes, from April 1, 2024.

The plan is designed to improve the supply of housing and encourage second homeowners to either sell or rent their properties.

At the moment, councils have the flexibility to set a council tax discount level of between zero and 50 per cent.

In Inverclyde, where there are 102 second homes, this has been set at zero per cent since April 2017, meaning council tax on second homes is charged at the same level as homes which are someone’s sole or main residence. Before, second homes were eligible for a discount of 10 per cent.

The ability to apply a council tax premium on second homes would introduce the same flexibility for council tax on empty properties that have been unoccupied for a year or more.

Inverclyde Council applies the maximum 100 per cent council tax premium to empty homes unless they meet an exemption covered by the policy.

A survey launched today, which includes six short questions and takes around five minutes to complete, closes at 4pm next Friday, December 15.

The council says the feedback received 'will be carefully analysed and findings will be reported to the policy and resources committee in February 2024.

It added: "We genuinely value your input, and your participation in this consultation will play a vital role in shaping the policy."

Have your say Here.

This article appeared in The Greenock Telegraph