Dorset council is the latest to agree a policy to double the council tax on second homes and to implement an empty home surcharge a year earlier.

However, for the council to be able to implement its new policies, legislation will also have to be approved by Parliament. 

The Dorset Live website quotes deputy council leader Peter Wharf saying: “This is not a penalty. It’s a privilege to have a second home and this will be a relatively small charge for that privilege. This is a strong statement of intent to our residents, some of which are struggling to access housing.” 

Dorset council estimates the additional charge will bring in some £9.5m annually from around 5,700 second homes in the county, although it concedes some may switch to short lets and become businesses, thus avoiding council tax.