Double tax sees drop in second homes but some have become holiday lets

DALES COUNCIL BROUGHT IN EXTRA CHARGE BACK IN APRIL, RAISING EXTRA £1.8M

- By EDDIE BISKNELL Local democracy reporter

A DERBYSHIRE council charging hundreds of second home owners double in tax has led to a minor reduction, but some have just been converted into holiday lets to avoid the charge.

Derbyshire Dales District Council, which oversees much of the most rural and tourism-heavy parts of the county, has been charging double council tax on second homes since April in a bid to reduce their numbers.

It is hoped that fewer second homes would free up more homes for Derbyshire Dales residents or at the very least ensure homes are occupied for more of the year, with people contributing to the local economy.

The council has been pushing for action on second homes and holiday lets for years, with Government legislation currently only referring to second home tax options, which were delayed to start from April this year.