OWNERS of holiday or empty homes in the Forest will be hit with extra Council Tax.

The Forest Council’s Cabinet has backed the introduction of the changes from April of next year.

The move will have to be approved by the full council which will consider it in December.

The move would see the introduction of a Council Tax “premium” of up to 100 per cent on second homes and the minimum period under which empty properties would become liable reduced from two years to 12 months,

Empty properties that are substantially unfurnished would attract a premium between one and five years, 200 per cent for five years or more and 300 per for 10 years or more.

There are approximately 309 second homes – defined as a property that is not the owner’s man residence and is substantially furnished – and they are charged full Council Tax said Cabinet member for finance Cllr Andy Moore (Green, Newnham).

He said: “Second home ownership within parts of the district is significant and is recognised to have a negative impact in terms of the supply of homes available to meet local housing need.”

The additional revenue from a second homes charge would be approximately £450,981.

The Forest Council would retain £42,573 with the rest being split between Gloucestershire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and parish council.

The effect on empty properties is more difficult to predict because of potential changes in their status.

There is also a “risk” that owners may try to get around the charge by offering their homes as holdiay lets although the Valuation Office has put in rules requiring evidence that the property has been let for a period of time.

A “snapshot” of properties taken on June 11 this year indicates there are 269 homes that would be affected by the premium.

It is estimated the premium would bring in £525,232 with the district council retaining some £42,573.

There may be other changes as the government is looking at changes to exemptions to the rules and the council says it is awaiting guidance.