Adam backs plans to double council tax on second and empty homes
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PLANS to allow local authorities to double the council tax levied on empty and second homes has been welcomed by a north-east MSP.
The move, announced by First Minister Humza Yousaf, aims to address the challenges around housing in Scotland.
At present there are 1633 empty and second homes in Moray with 3757 in the same category in neighbouring Aberdeenshire. while an increasing number of people are left in temporary accommodation and on longer housing waiting lists.
Scotland has 42,865 long term empty homes and a further 24,287 second homes.
The proposals would bring second homes into line with long-term empty homes from next year. The joint consultation with Cosla will also seek views on further powers to charge more than double rate on both empty and second homes in future years.
Against a backdrop of soaring rent and house prices,
Banffshireshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam described the plan as "bold" and said that it would take substantial steps in delivering on the SNP government’s housing commitments and creating affordable homes.
She continued: “I welcome these game-changing new proposals from the Scottish Government, which will undoubtedly help to free up unused homes and take much-needed steps in addressing the housing shortage across Moray and Aberdeenshire.
"Empty homes across Banffshire and Buchan Coast has been a significant issue that I have been working to tackle since first being elected as an MSP in 2021.
“Empty homes and second homes have also had a disproportionate impact on seasonal popular tourist destinations in towns such as Portsoy and Cullen. A number of wealthy people are snapping up second homes in those towns, often laying vacant for most of the year which is impacting local businesses in the area because of the reduction in regular footfall.
“In his debut as First Minister, Humza Yousaf has proved that the SNP is the party of action – not just words. Thanks to Tory mismanagement and spiralling inflation, people are being priced out of buying and renting in areas where they grew up and it is clear the SNP is the only party willing to stand up for what matters to the people of Scotland.
“While Conservative politicians refuse to take action, and their Labour allies U-turn on housing commitments, it is obvious now that independence is essential to if we are to continue to deliver real change in Scotland.”
Responding to the announcement, Scottish Empty Homes Partnership said: “This makes the First Minister’s announcement of a consultation on proposals to allow councils to increase the council tax payable on second homes and empty homes one that has to be seen as a positive step to help to address the housing emergency by freeing up more housing stock.
“It is to be welcomed that proposals are being brought forward that recognise how empty homes can be part of solutions, rather than simply being seen as problems, for communities."
