Southwark to Commits to Doubling Council Tax on Second Homes, after Lib Dem Motion Passed

Southwark council will impose a 100% council tax premium on second homes from next year.

At last night’s council assembly, councillors passed a Lib Dem motion calling for the premium to be introduced as soon as it is legally implementable.

Clause 73 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will allow councils to impose a 100% council tax premium on second homes.

The bill is due to pass later this year, and the additional powers will be implementable in 2024.

The additional powers aim to discourage second home ownership, freeing up additional housing for those who need it.

Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Cllr Emily Tester, said:

“Southwark is in danger of becoming a borough of the super-rich and those who increasingly can’t afford to live here. Housing in Southwark has become a commodity. Second homes are eating away our housing supply while we have 17,000 people on the housing waiting list.

The additional powers granted in the Levelling Up Bill are a small but meaningful step in right direction as we attempt to undo the years of reductions in social housing in London and across the UK. Our motion assures residents that these powers will be used, showing that the council is on their side, rather than the side of rampant developers.”