Second home levy at coastal homes such as Burnham Market and Brancaster is a “retrograde step”

It is set to raise millions of pounds from some of West Norfolk’s coastal villages when it comes into force in the coming months.

But plans to make second homeowners pay more council tax continue to face criticism, with senior councillors branding the plans “ridiculous” and a “retrograde step”.

Judith Collingham, a Conservative councillor, has renewed her opposition to the West Norfolk Council’s move to introduce the new levy, which will add a 100 per cent premium for homes not used as a permanent residence.

The authority is set to introduce the new charges in April 2025, which it hopes will help raise £6.5m a year.

The prevalence of second homes has been blamed for hollowing out communities in villages such as Burnham Market and Brancaster, where about 50 per cent of properties are owned by people living elsewhere.

However, others say second homeowners bring in a lot of money to the local economy and support many of the small businesses in these areas.

And Mrs Collingham continues to have reservations and worries there will be little benefit gained for these communities, with the majority of the cash raised – 75 per cent – going to Norfolk County Council rather than the district council.

At a corporate performance panel on Tuesday, the Dersingham ward councillor said: “I think the charge is ridiculous, you can’t have 200 per cent of a service and I think that the borough will not get very much of the money.

“I feel this will affect people who have small family homes but it seems people think it will be levelled at those with very large second homes who will not really suffer from the increase.

“It is a retrogressive step. We could see a diminishing in people investing in second homes, who bring some value to our borough.”

Alistair Beales, leader of the Independent-controlled borough council, said talks were continuing with the county council in a bid to ensure more of the money raised by the second home levy will go back to the communities most affected.

District council leaders want to receive 50 per cent of the cash but there has also been talk of one-off grants being offered.

He said: “I think if NCC (Norfolk County Council) wants to allay the fear of being the big bad organisation, they should think about local residents and make a stand here.”

However, NCC is facing tough financial challenges, with costs spiralling for things like social care and special educational provision.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?

In West Norfolk, there are about 311 homes, mostly in Heacham, Snettisham and Hunstanton, which have restrictions on when they can be lived in. These will not be affected by the new second home levy.

There are about 3,119 second homes that can be lived in all year, which will face a 100 per cent premium on council tax.

The villages with the highest proportions of second homes in West Norfolk are Burnham Market, Brancaster, Thornham and Holme-next-the-Sea.

New charges are also due to come in for long-term empty properties. There are about 1,265 empty homes in West Norfolk.

Homes that have been empty for between one and five years can be charged a 100 per cent premium but this rises to 200 per cent if empty for longer than five years and 300 per cent if empty for more than ten years.

West Norfolk Council says exceptions will be made depending on individual circumstances.