SECOND home owners in the Torridge District Council are set to pay more for their council tax after the confirmation of the introduction of a premium.

It comes after councillors agreed in principle in 2022 to charge owners of second homes a 100 per cent premium on their council tax, pending a change of legislation by the then-Conservative government. After this bill received royal assent in 2023, this enabled it to become law.

A spokesperson for Torridge District Council said: “Second homeowners in the Torridge district will soon receive letters notifying them of changes to Council Tax charges for their properties. Starting on April 1 of this year (2025), a 100 per cent premium will be applied to properties classified as second homes, where previously no premium was charged.

“During the Full Council meeting on September 5, 2022, councillors agreed in principle to adopt the 100 per cent premium charge for second homes, pending the passage of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill through Parliament. The Bill received Royal Assent on October 26, 2023 allowing local authorities to impose a 100 per cent Council Tax premium on second homes.

“At the Full Council meeting on the January 22, 2024, councillors were informed of the Bill's passage through Parliament and voted to implement this change, the council has amended its policy regarding second homes accordingly.

“In November 2024, the government published regulations regarding exceptions to the premium. Torridge District Council has updated its Empty Homes and Second Home Premium Policy to align with this guidance.

“Please note that if the use of the property changes, owners will need to provide evidence of this change to verify the correct Council Tax charge. It is important to supply accurate information along with relevant evidence to avoid further enquiries from the council.”