North Yorkshire votes for the new levy to be imposed on second homeowners, if Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill passes
Council tax is set to double for second homeowners in North Yorkshire after the local authority voted to become the first in England to impose the levy.
A 79-strong majority of councillors approved the £14.8m tax raid, claiming it would make it easier for locals to buy their own homes.
The Conservative-run county council said the move would increase the housing supply by funding new build developments and incentivising those with multiple homes to sell up.
Gareth Dadd, its Tory deputy leader, hailed the “ground-breaking” vote and made no apologies for introducing the tax. “I support this, not because I support greater taxation, but because I see the real challenges for local people in finding affordable housing,” he said.