Plans to impose a premium on council tax for for second homeowners have been approved by Cornwall Council with all-party agreement.

The move could be worth up to an additional £25m in revenue for the authority each year.

The new premium will be introduced in April 2024 but that is dependent on the relevant legislation being formally approved by Parliament before the end of March this year.

Councillor David Harris, deputy leader of Cornwall Council and portfolio holder for resources, says: “I am sure that some people will be trying to find ways to dodge this extra charge and I can assure you that I will be working with officers to look at every possible dodge and and how we block these.”

And councillor Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, adds: “One of our key priorities as an administration has been to address the housing issues we face in Cornwall, and today’s decision will help us to do just that.

“By increasing the premium on second homes, we will be not only increasing revenue, but also making people think about what they do with these properties, many of which are empty for much of the year.

“It is a good start to the New Year for Cornwall.”