1. Suspend the imposition of the 'second home council tax premium' pending a full review of the social and economic impact, with a properly prepared financial impact assessment statement as is required by the Government guidelines published to councils on 1 November 2024. In the event the second home council tax premium is found to have been imposed unfairly/unlawfully that such sums be repaid. See the Warwick District Council case.
2. In accordance with the published guidance, issue a clear definition of which properties would be exempt from such double taxation due to their nature, size, design or which have restrictions imposed preventing the private letting of such properties, either to tenants or as holiday lets.
3. Take professional advice from an INDEPENDENT valuer as to the impact on the market the policy has had, not only on second homeowners, but on all homeowners.
4. Consult fully with second homeowners, along with businesses and tradespeople, as to the impact of this policy.
5. Identify the cost of providing all facilities which the desired rise in local family ownership would require, for example additional school places, medical facilities and associated services.
6. Publish all such consultation information (both from previously and gathered going forward) in compliance with the constitution of North Yorkshire Council thus demonstrating transparency.
7. Disallow Councillors with a vested interest in holiday homes from involvement in this matter or from voting on any review, based upon the principles set out in R v Beaumont ex p Kirklees MBC 2001 ELR.
This petition is not just for second home owners. Many other
homeowners have been affected by the significant fall in house
prices. The impact is also being felt by businesses, tradespeople
etc
The imposition of the second home council tax premium by North Yorkshire Council has raised serious concerns, especially as it has been introduced without following the Government guidelines published on 1 November 2024 which required councils to complete a detailed Impact Assessment before introducing the premium. This has been compounded by a lack of public consultation resulting in the premium having been introduced without full consideration of the impact.
Many second home owners contribute significantly to local economies by visiting local cafes, bars, restaurants and holiday venues as well as providing employment to local tradespeople. Not only that but many second homeowners are actively involved in local organisations and groups, some even setting up or running them. Imposing an additional financial burden on these property owners risks reducing their presence and involvement, with a potential long term negative effect on the economy and life of the local community.
One of the aims of the Council's action is to encourage these homes to be let or sold to local people. However, many of these properties are not suitable for such a purpose. Some may be unaffordable to local young people. They may be too small or are often flats with no parking space, no lift or garden and are therefore not suitable for local people. Many have restrictive covenants which legally restrict their use as a rental property. Many are listed buildings with further restrictions such as not allowing for the installation of central heating.
We petition North Yorkshire Council to thoroughly review the introduction of this premium and to engage with the community in a meaningful consultation, suspending the premium whilst the consultation is undertaken.
This council tax premium has placed an unfair burden on many homeowners, affecting them not only financially but also as regards their health and wellbeing. Apart from the question of affording the double council tax, many are now deeply concerned as to whether anyone will buy such properties, many of which are suitable only as holiday accommodation.
North Yorkshire Council should be upholding the root and purpose of council tax which was introduced to cover services utilised and not unfairly imposing a tax on those who own a second home.
If you believe in protecting the rights of homeowners and ensuring fair taxation practices, please sign this petition to demand the suspension of the second home council tax premium and that North Yorkshire Council undertakes a detailed consultation with all its residents, along with a detailed impact assessment, thus halting the damage that is being caused.
In the event that the policy is found to have been imposed without proper consultation, the second home premium should be repaid.
Started by: Christopher Hall (SHOUT (Second Homeowners Opposed to Unfair Taxation)
This ePetition runs from 11/05/2026 to 31/07/2026.
12 people have signed this ePetition.