North Yorkshire to Allocate £1 Million Annually from Second Home Tax for Affordable Housing

An additional £1 million per year is designated for affordable housing in North Yorkshire, funded by the council tax premium levied on second homes. Twenty-four community-led housing groups across the county will be eligible to apply for a portion of this funding, which was approved at a gathering of senior North Yorkshire councillors. North Yorkshire Council had previously sanctioned a 100% council tax premium on second homes in 2022, which will be reflected in bills starting April of the upcoming year. Simon Myers, the executive member for culture, arts, and housing, commented: “I believe it’s a good way of us delivering housing where otherwise it is very hard to deliver.” Myers informed the meeting that officials had put forward a recommendation for the project’s funding to extend over the subsequent three years. He explained that housing groups could utilize these funds to develop projects, which would then proceed through the planning process. These groups would have the autonomy to determine the tenure type, size, and allocation policies for the properties, as well as generate income from them. Myers stated: “Let’s hope the success of this brings forward more projects.” He added: “There have been some really good small schemes by communities.” When the council tax premium was initially confirmed, Gareth Dadd, the authority’s deputy leader, expressed that it brought him “deep pride”. Speaking as the additional £1 million was agreed upon, Dadd noted that members would probably face “immense pressure” from owners of second homes attempting to circumvent the increased council tax on their bills. He stated: “Perhaps this is the first reason you can point to for why we are doing this.” He continued: “And I will take this opportunity to say ‘I make no apology for doing it,’ because we can now see the benefits.”