Rutland County Council is to pursue a 100% council tax premium on second homes in the county and any property which has been empty and unfurnished for longer than one year.

Second home owners currently pay the same council tax as others with one home. The new proposals would in effect see owners paying up to double the amount of council tax they pay now.

Part of the government's May 2022 Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, these discretionary council tax premiums could raise as much as an extra £515,000.

Speaking to members of the full council at their meeting on 27 March, the last before the elections on 4 May, portfolio member for finance, governance and performance, Conservative Cllr Karen Payne said: "This bill is awaiting Royal Accent which should be granted later in the spring.

"The government wants to incentivise owners to bring second and empty homes back into use, recognising the negative impact that high levels of second home ownership and empty homes can have on the community in some areas.

"Highlighting the Government's intention to reduce the minimum period for the implementation of a premium for empty homes from two years to one year it will allow councils to introduce a premium of up to 100% in respect of second homes Class A and B properties.

"A 'Class A' dwelling is a dwelling which is not the sole or main residence of an individual, is furnished and the occupation of which is restricted by a planning condition preventing occupancy for a continuous period of at least 28 days in the relevant year.

"A 'Class B' dwelling is a dwelling which is not the sole or main residence of an individual, is furnished and the occupation of which is not restricted by a planning condition preventing occupancy for a continuous period of at least 28 days in the relevant year.

"Subject to the bill receiving Royal Assent the proposed changes will come into effect on 1 April 2024 but each council can choose the premiums it wishes to apply.

"If the council wishes to adopt any changes arising from the bill it is required to make a resolution confirming its requirements by no later than 31 March 2023 as 12 months' notice is required for the implementation of changes.

"We are aware of approximately 180 such homes in Rutland currently, and the combination of both premiums will generate something in the region of an extra £515,000 for Rutland, shared across all preceptors including the fire and police departments, with the council receiving 86% of the total revenue, contributing positively towards our deficit budget for 2024/25 onwards."

Members of the full council voted by majority to approve the proposals for second and empty homes in Rutland to be subject to a 100% council tax premium, subject to the bill receiving Royal Accent in April 2024.