Thousands of second-home owners across England are set to see their council tax bills double from April, as a fresh wave of local authorities activates new financial penalties.
Analysis has revealed that 38 more councils will introduce a 100 per cent premium on properties classified as second homes from the start of the new financial year. This move is expected to impact up to 12,300 additional properties that are not used as a primary residence or rented out.
The Second Wave of Council Tax Hikes
This expansion follows the initial introduction of the policy last year, when 211 councils – approximately 71 per cent of all local authorities in England – immediately adopted the new powers granted by central government. The legislation allows councils to charge a premium of up to 100% on dwellings that are substantially furnished but have no permanent resident.
Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at estate agency Hamptons, commented on the trend: “We’re entering a second wave of charges as councils look for fresh ways to boost their budgets. The big second-home destinations were quick to introduce the surcharge, but now others are set to follow.”
The decision to implement the charge, and at what rate up to the maximum, is discretionary for each local authority.
Controversy and Criticism
The policy has drawn sharp criticism from campaigners for lower taxation. Elliot Keck, investigations campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, argued: “For thousands of households across the country, the new year threatens a crippling tax raid on their properties.”
He added, “As well as yet another year of inflation-busting council tax rises, many will also face their bills being doubled as local authorities levy punitive charges on anyone who dares to be affluent. There is no justification for this, given that second-home owners will make much less use of council services.”
Full List of Councils Introducing the Surcharge in April
The 38 councils preparing to enforce the double council tax charge from April include authorities from across the country. The list comprises:
- Wiltshire
- Cherwell
- Hillingdon
- South Norfolk
- Rotherham
- North Northamptonshire
- Gateshead
- Breckland
- Charnwood
- Winchester
- Broxtowe
- Epping Forest
- South Cambridgeshire
- Huntingdonshire
- North Somerset
- Waverley
- East Cambridgeshire
- Basingstoke and Deane
- Basildon
- Central Bedfordshire
- South Staffordshire
- Harborough
- North West Leicestershire
- Newark and Sherwood
- Barking and Dagenham
- Tandridge
- Erewash
- Nuneaton and Bedworth
- Blaby
- Test Valley
- Spelthorne
- Swindon
- Luton
- Rushmoor
- Watford
- Castle Point
- Hyndburn
- Tamworth
Property owners in these areas are advised to check their council's specific regulations, as some authorities may phase in the charges or apply them to specific zones within their jurisdiction.
