Higher council tax for second homes in Sandwell will be instituted
In a bid to address the housing shortage and encourage property owners to bring empty homes back into use, Sandwell Council will be implementing new council tax rules starting from 2024.
From 1 April 2024, the council will increase council tax for owners of empty properties by 100%, following government rules that allow councils in England to double council tax on empty properties after 12 months. This means that second homes in Sandwell will also be subject to the same tax increase.
While there is no detailed data available specifically about changes from 2024 to 2025 in Sandwell, it is reasonable to infer that the council follows these guidelines. For precise details and any local exemptions for 2025, checking Sandwell Council’s official council tax pages is recommended.
Typical special circumstances for exemption include properties undergoing major repairs or structural work, properties that are unoccupied due to the death of the owner, properties that are empty because the owner is in long-term hospital care or has moved to receive care, and properties that are actively for sale or let on the market.
Cllr Bob Piper, Sandwell Council's deputy leader, announced these council tax changes, stating that having properties sitting empty adds to the pressure on housing in Sandwell. The council tax increases are part of an effort to increase the availability of affordable housing and reduce homelessness.
By charging extra Council Tax on empty properties, Sandwell aims to increase the availability of affordable housing and reduce homelessness by bringing empty homes back into use. The council expects to raise more than £800,000 by increasing council tax charges on approximately 600 properties that have been empty for a year.
It's important to note that the council tax charges on second homes will not apply to homes that are not available for use year-round due to planning restrictions. Homes that are uninhabitable due to renovations are also not subject to the new council tax rules for empty properties.
The government, too, is taking steps to address the housing shortage. They plan to construct one million homes and have allocated £10bn to achieve this goal. The new council tax rule for second homes in Sandwell will come into force within the next financial year.
Cllr Laura Rollins, cabinet member for housing and built environment, stated that the council tax changes are a significant step towards ensuring that everyone in Sandwell has a safe and affordable place to call home. The council will continue to work tirelessly to address the housing shortage and support those in need.
References: 1. Government allows councils to double council tax on empty properties 2. Sandwell Council to increase council tax on empty properties 3. Sandwell needs 41,000 new homes by 2041 4. UK government to construct one million homes 5. Sandwell Council's plans to address homelessness
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