Are additional taxes on second homes fair? Join The Independent Debate

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"Second-home council tax is back in the spotlight and it's dividing opinion among Independent readers. Many councils can now charge extra on top of standard council tax for properties that aren't a person's main home, often doubling the normal rate. From April 2025, a 100 per cent surcharge was introduced in many areas. The aim was to bring empty homes into use, though there are exceptions for properties being sold, under major repair, or linked to work or the armed forces."

"Some say it's fair and that wealthier owners should pay their share to support local services. One reader put it bluntly: If you can afford to pay the vastly overpriced sum of 500,000 for a tiny little second property then you can afford to pay council tax. Others say the issue is more nuanced. Many second homes like cottages or off-grid holiday properties lack mains water, electricity, or sewage, and aren't suitable for year-round living."

News teams cover US issues from reproductive rights and climate change to Big Tech and rely on donations to fund on-the-ground journalism while remaining paywall-free. Investigations include financial probes and a documentary spotlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights. Many councils can charge extra council tax on properties that are not a main home, often doubling the rate; from April 2025 a 100 per cent surcharge applies in many areas. The surcharge aims to bring empty homes into use, with exceptions for properties being sold, under major repair, or linked to work or the armed forces. Opinions remain divided over fairness for off-grid and seasonal second homes.

Read at www.independent.co.uk