Torbay latest to scrap council tax discount for second home owners
Council tax breaks for second home owners have been abolished in part of Devon, in a bid to revive the housing market.
Torbay District Council will charge 100% council tax on second homes and holiday homes from April rather than the current 90%.
Uninhabitable property will lose its 12-month exemption period and have to pay the full charge.
Empty properties will have their exemption period reduced from six months to one month.
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Gordon Oliver, the Mayor of Torbay, said: "By removing the discounts, the council hopes to provide a stronger incentive to get empty homes back into use and relieve some of the pressures on our housing need across the bay."
Those currently eligible for a discount or exemption will receive a letter from the council explaining the changes.
Mr Oliver revealed before Christmas that Torbay Council was in line for £10 million of cuts in 2013-14.
Last month South Hams District Council and Plymouth City Council both abolished tax breaks for second home owners in a bid to save money. From April, properties that have stood empty in the South Hams for more than two years will be subject to 150% tax.
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