London borough commits to doubling Council Tax on second houses, after Lib Dem movement handed

Southwark council will impose a 100% council tax premium on second houses from subsequent 12 months.

Ultimately evening’s council meeting, members handed a Lib Dem movement calling for the premium to be launched as quickly as it’s legally implementable.

Clause 73 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Invoice will enable councils to impose a 100% council tax premium on second houses.

The invoice is because of cross later this 12 months, and the extra powers can be implementable in 2024.

The extra powers goal to discourage second residence possession, liberating up extra housing for many who want it.

CommenSouthwark Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Cllr Emily Tester, mentioned, “Southwark is at risk of changing into a borough of the super-rich and people who more and more can’t afford to dwell right here. Housing in Southwark has turn into a commodity. Second houses are consuming away our housing provide whereas we’ve got 17,000 individuals on the housing ready record.

The extra powers granted within the Levelling Up Invoice are a small however significant step in proper route as we try to undo the years of reductions in social housing in London and throughout the UK. Our movement assures residents that these powers can be used, exhibiting that the council is on their aspect, relatively than the aspect of rampant builders.”