Sidmouth: Council tax could double for second home owners in East Devon

Council tax for owners of second homes could double after East Devon District Council's cabinet agreed the move on Wednesday (4 January).

But the final decision will be made at EDDC's next full council meeting on 22 February.

The plans would also see the council charge double rates on empty homes after one year instead of two.

The changes could take effect in 2024 if approved, and would be subject to national government signing off the relevant legislation.

Cllr Jack Rowland (Independent, Seaton) said: "In East Devon we have a shortage of properties to enable people to rent or potentially purchase and stay and live/work in the area.

"If this change frees up empty properties to come onto the rental or purchase market then I and my cabinet colleagues welcome that.

"Where the people affected by this change may still choose to keep the property empty or as a second home then the additional Council Tax they would have to pay will help ensure the current services provided by EDDC will be maintained, bearing in mind that only seven per cent of that increase would go directly to EDDC as the bulk (73 per cent) would go to Devon County Council and the remainder to the police and fire service."