Owners of second homes and empty properties on the Isle of Wight could be charged more in council tax to help free up housing for local people.
The Island is currently facing a housing crisis with more than 80 per cent of its private rented stock becoming unavailable for long term lets since the pandemic.
Around 15,000 households are struggling to find accommodation with those on the lowest incomes unable to afford current market rents and prices.
By reducing the amount of time a property can be empty, the Isle of Wight Council aims to bring more homes into productive use while raising additional money to support vital services for Island communities.
Equally, those who are fortunate enough to be in a position to own more than one house can help in their support of the local community, according to Cabinet papers released this week.
Proposals are due to go before Cabinet next Thursday (8 February), but any changes for second home owners would not come into effect until 1 April 2025.
There are likely to be exceptions, such as properties undergoing probate and seasonal homes where year-round occupation is prohibited.
Full Council will consider the plans on Wednesday, 28 February.
Councillor Ian Stephens, deputy leader and Cabinet member for housing and finance, said:
"Many of residents are affected by the limited rental housing market on the Island and are experiencing great financial difficulty in trying to find suitable affordable rented accommodation.
"Putting additional charges on empty homes encourages property owners to bring these buildings back into use, helping to tackle the housing need we face on the Island and prevent sites falling derelict and becoming eyesores.
"Meanwhile premiums on second homes mean those who visit the Island for only part of the year can support our local services year-round – and again encourages owners who do not use them to free up the property for local residents."
Investigation Underway Following House Fire In Brighstone
Reaction To Donna Jones Police And Crime Commissioner Re-Election
New Dementia Hub To Open In Cowes Next Week
Armed Forces Covenant Members Supporting Armed Forces Day
Miriam Margolyes, Aggers And Tuffers And Plastic Mermaids To Headline Wight Proms 2024
Isle Of Wight Shoppers Helping To Tackle Rising Levels Of Hygiene Poverty
Two Isle Of Wight Businesses Win At Annual Muddy Stiletto Awards
Sandown Carnival Launches 2024 Season
Dover Park Primary School Celebrates Continued Success With Glowing Ofsted Report
Rescue Services Join RNLI’s 200th Celebration Event At Cowes
Isle Of Wight Council To Move To Committee System In 2025
Highway Improvement At Church Litten Next Week
Isle Of Wight Beaches Praised In Clean Water League Table
Man Arrested After Being Caught During Act Of Self-Gratification In Newport
May Day Bank Holiday Recycling And Waste Collection Information
Isle Of Wight Ambulance Service Star Louise Awarded King’s Ambulance Medal
Stranded RIB Towed To Safety By Cowes Lifeboat
Major Highway Works Taking Place Across Isle Of Wight This Month
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Rescue To Bring First Bears To Isle Of Wight For 30 Years
