‘Double council tax’ rule to come in from next month

Stricter rules are on the way for some.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities confirmed the change in a press release on the UK government website earlier this week.

The crack down will aim to support local people in areas where high numbers of empty homes are preventing them from finding affordable housing. 

The rules will apply when a property has been empty for 12 months, rather than the current two years.

Councils will be given new powers to introduce the tax premium on second homes in their area from next year, bringing in millions more for public services or keeping overall council tax bills down.

There are a limited number of exceptions to the new rule. These will apply to properties that are uninhabitable due to extensive renovation, second homes that are not available for use year-round due to planning restrictions or for up to a year on homes that have been inherited to prevent families who are grieving from having to pay. 

Following the announcement, the Minister for Local Government Simon Hoare said: “Long term empty properties are shutting local families and young people out of the housing market as they are being denied the opportunity to rent or buy in their own community. 

“So, we are taking action as part of our long-term plan for housing. That means delivering more of the right homes in the right places and giving councils more powers to help give local people the homes they need.” 

The changes are apparently part of the government’s long term plan for housing, unlocking more of the homes this country needs and meeting the target to deliver one million homes this Parliament, backed by £10 billion investment.

For most people, council tax is "usually split into 10 monthly payments" which is between April and January.

Members of society who are exempt from paying council tax include people under the age of 18, those who are full-time students at college or university, and people who operate as live-in carers for someone who is not your partner, spouse, or child under 18.

Council tax across the country is set to increase from 1st April.

You can see a full list of people who are disregarded from having to pay council tax here.

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