Forest of Dean District Council to Implement Increased Taxes on Vacant Properties and Second Homes

The Forest of Dean District Council has decided to implement increased tax rates for properties that have remained vacant for over a year, as well as for owners of secondary residences. During a council meeting, the council approved the proposals to introduce these additional charges, which are scheduled to take effect in April 2025. Currently, unoccupied residences in the Forest of Dean are subject to the standard council tax rate for their respective band. Under the new scheme, these properties will incur charges ranging from two to four times that amount, determined by the duration of their vacancy. According to Andy Moore, the finance cabinet member, these adjustments were facilitated by a recent legal amendment. Specifically, properties that have been vacant for a period of one to five years will incur a council tax bill at double the standard rate. For homes that have remained unoccupied for five to ten years, the charge will be three times the standard amount. Owners of properties that have been empty for a decade or more will face a bill equivalent to four times the standard rate. Approximately 309 secondary homes are located within specific areas of the Forest of Dean district; these will also be subject to double the standard council tax rate. The council stated that the prevalence of second home ownership is considerable and is acknowledged to adversely affect the availability of housing stock needed to address local demand. Mr. Moore indicated that these initiatives are projected to yield approximately £976,313 in additional revenue for council and police services. Nevertheless, the Forest of Dean District Council is expected to retain only about £90,000 of this sum, with the remaining funds allocated to Gloucestershire County Council and the Office for Police and Crime Commissioner. Councillor Tim Gwilliam inquired about the potential impact of the proposal on Airbnb properties and holiday rentals within the Forest area. Officials clarified that holiday lets would remain unaffected, as they are assessed under business rates. They further explained that if a second home is utilized as an Airbnb, it would be subject to the premium charge.