Warwick doubles council tax on second homes

Councillors say a 100% premium increase for second homes, rubber stamped at a council meeting this week, will boost the local housing market and support services.

The hike, set to kick in next April, comes on the back of Levelling Up legislation approved in 2023, which allows local authorities to bump up council tax to encourage second homeowners to bring their properties back into full-time use.

A report put before the council showed there are currently just over 2,200 properties in the Warwick area which count as second homes, although the number affected by the increase is likely to be much lower.

The move is expected to generate around £683,000 per year in additional tax income.

Cllr Jonathan Chilvers, portfolio holder for resources, said: “We know how important it is for residents to be able to access affordable homes in the communities where they live and work.

“Introducing a second homes premium is one of the tools available to us to help bring more properties back into full-time use, helping to support local businesses and services.”