Anger over second homes penalty delay

Government 'is costing local authorities millions'

Government delays in dealing with second home ownership have cost Torbay around £1.5 million in lost income, it has been claimed.

People buying second homes in sought-after bay locations such as Brixham will have to pay double council tax as a result of new legislation.

The rule change followed lobbying from councils including Torbay and South Hams, where second home ownership is depleting the local housing stock and leaving neighbourhoods dark when the properties are left empty in winter.

But the government has not enforced the new rules as quickly as hoped, and local authorities are missing out on millions of pounds as a result.

Torbay Council decided in December last year to impose a 100 per cent ‘premium’ on second homes, but government delays in passing the legislation mean the council can’t start collecting payments until April 2025.

Speaking at a meeting of the full council, Liberal Democrat leader Steve Darling (Barton with Watcombe) said: “We’ve been robbed by central government.

“They were too busy dealing with other matters in parliament, and this was not pushed through in time.

“The government’s failure to move this forward has had a significant impact, because it would result in many people thinking twice about having a second home, and releasing some of the properties onto the open market to provide opportunities for people.

“In Brixham, for example, there is an extreme need for housing.”