Gove: second homes tax rise will let small towns flourish

CRACKING down on empty second homes can help communities “flourish”, Michael Gove said yesterday, as he defended allowing councils to double council tax on such properties.

The Communities Secretary said that having a second home was not “immoral” but argued it was right to act on properties left vacant for long periods of time.

Councils in England will be able to double council tax on unoccupied second homes to boost funding for local services for the first time under Mr Gove’s reforms.

The proposals are contained in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which started its journey through Parliament on Wednesday.

Speaking on Times Radio, Mr Gove said of second homes: “I don’t think they’re immoral.

“But I think it’s important to recognise that when you have people in places like Devon who are local folk who can’t get on to the housing ladder because the price of property has been bid up by second homeowners, sometimes you need to take appropriate steps in order to make sure that communities can flourish.”

Government officials arguing for the changes have noted that 72,000 homes have been empty for more than two years across England.

They also say that Conservative MPS in constituencies with a high proportion of second homes are supportive of the changes.

Explaining the drive earlier in the year, a Government source said: “We can’t let empty homes sound the death knell for vibrant towns and villages, and it’s only fair that all property owners do their bit to support their local area.

“Raising funds through this council tax premium levy will see more money focused on crucial services in a way that can really benefit the whole community and boost levelling up.”

In the interview Mr Gove also talked about the Government’s decision to ditch a flagship reform to the planning system after a Tory backlash.

Mr Gove said: “I think people have resisted development because homes haven’t been beautiful and of high quality often enough. People have resisted development because of the pressure that’s placed on GP surgeries, primary schools and roads.

“People have resisted development because they felt that they didn’t have democratic control over shaping their communities.”