Cornwall doubled council tax on second homes. A year on, the empty houses are still empty
The levy raised £25m; owners paid it rather than sell. Locals say the policy was never going to be enough on its own
The houses around the harbour are dark on a weekday evening in October. They were dark a year ago, before the council doubled the tax on them, and the people who live in the town say that tells you what you need to know.
Cornwall introduced a 100% council tax premium on second homes last year, raising about £25m. Owners, for the most part, paid it. Sales rose slightly in the first months and then fell back.
“A few thousand pounds a year does not change the maths for someone who paid a million for a view,” said one estate agent in the town.
The council says the money has funded 120 affordable homes. Campaigners say the town needs 1,000 and that the levy was only ever one tool.
Sign up to First Edition
Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters.
Privacy notice: newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads and content funded by outside parties.
