Certain Tameside council tax payers will soon see their bill double

People in Tameside with second homes will soon pay double in council tax. A propsosal to hike the levy for certain bill payers has been approved. 

Owners of empty homes will also be charged in full if properties have been unoccupied for a long time. 

According to Tameside council papers, as of October 7, 2024, 123 homes across the borough are categorised as second homes.

The hike comes following a law change allowing councils to charge a premium in certain circumstances.

An empty home is classed as a property that has not been lived in for a long time and is unfurnished. A second home is classed as a property that is furnished but has no permanent resident. 

The changes will come into force in the 2025/26 financial year. 

A Tameside Council spokesperson said: ‘’In Tameside we face a number of housing challenges including access to home-ownership, creating affordable housing, meeting the needs of an ageing population, improving our private rented sector, and tackling homelessness.

“We currently have over 100 second homes in the borough, by introducing increased charges it is hoped that property owners can be encouraged to bring them back into full time use.

“From April 1, 2025, the Government is introducing a number of exceptions to these premiums that owners can apply for. This will protect those who are genuinely trying to bring them back into full time use by either selling or letting them from having to pay the additional charge.

“Ultimately, these changes will help us to improve our housing offer and meet the targets and objectives of both Tameside’s and Greater Manchester’s Housing Strategy.’’

The Local Government Association, which represents councils, said: “There is a desperate need for more affordable housing across the country and councils need all options possible to ensure a supply of homes for rent and sale that meets local needs.

“Charging a council tax premium, for long-term empty and second homes, is one way of encouraging owners to bring these properties back into permanent use.

“However, we remain clear that council tax itself has never been the solution to meeting the long-term pressures facing local services, and councils need the powers and resources to build more affordable homes.”