For those properties classified as Long-Term Empty and Unoccupied a 100% council tax premium will, from 1 April, be applied after one year rather than the existing two years.

In addition, the introduction of the 100% council tax premium on second homes will come into effect on 1 April 2025, making a total council tax charge of 200%. Unlike empty dwellings, there is no requirement for a property to have been used as a second home for a fixed period of time before the premium can apply so it becomes chargeable from day one that a property is considered a second home (or dwelling periodically occupied).

Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Corporate Development and Transformation said:  “Now that the government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been passed and received Royal Assent, we will implement the changes and additional premiums in 2024 and 2025. Council agreed to use 40% of the additional monies raised to support the delivery of affordable housing.”