Owners of second homes who abuse a tax loophole by claiming their often-empty properties are holiday lets will be forced to pay council tax under new measures announced by the government today.
The changes will target people who take advantage of the system to avoid paying their fair share towards local services in popular destinations, such as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, the Lake District, Suffolk and Sussex.
Currently, owners of second homes in England can avoid paying council tax and access small business rates relief by simply declaring an intention to let the property out to holidaymakers.
However, concerns have been raised that many never actually let their homes and leave them empty and are therefore unfairly benefiting from the tax break.
Following a consultation, the government will now bring changes to the tax system, which will mean second homeowners must pay council tax if they are not genuine holiday lets.
From April 2023, second homeowners will have to prove holiday lets are being rented out for a minimum of 70 days a year to access small business rates relief, where they meet the criteria.
Holiday let owners will have to provide evidence, such as the website or brochure used to advertise the property, letting details and receipts.
Properties will also have to be available to be rented out for 140 days a year to qualify for this relief.
Commenting, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Michael Gove said:
“The government backs small businesses, including responsible short-term letting, which attracts tourists and brings significant investment to local communities.
“However, we will not stand by and allow people in privileged positions to abuse the system by unfairly claiming tax relief and leaving local people counting the cost.
“The action we are taking will create a fairer system, ensuring that second homeowners are contributing their share to the local services they benefit from.”
The government said the move will protect genuine small holiday letting businesses across the country and will support local economies by encouraging tourism and ensuring second homeowners pay a fair contribution towards public services.
Around 65,000 holiday lets in England are liable for business rates, of which around 97% have rateable values of up to £12,000.
Currently there is no requirement for evidence to be produced that a property has actually been commercially let out.
The Valuation Office Agency will be responsible for determining whether a property should be assessed for council tax or business rates under the new system.
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