- Priority action to reduce the number of empty and second homes, making more available to meet local housing needs.
- Owners of homes empty for more than 12 months to pay extra council tax to encourage owners to bring them back into use.
- Owners of second homes in Tamworth to pay additional council tax.
Tamworth Borough Council is taking significant steps to address empty and second homes within our community.
In line with government guidelines, from 1 April 2026 extra council tax will be charged on homes that have been empty for a long time. Homes left empty for one year or more will be charged an extra 100% on top of the normal council tax. Properties that have been empty for five years or more will be charged an extra 200%, and those empty for ten years or more will be charged an extra 300%.
These higher charges are intended to encourage owners to bring long-term empty homes back into use and help ease housing and homelessness pressures in the community.
As of 1 April 2026, it is expected that 162 properties in Tamworth borough will qualify for the empty property premium.
Additionally, from 1 April 2026, the council will also implement a maximum 100% premium on second homes, with certain exceptions, to encourage second homes to be used as main residences by local people. This is aimed at reducing the impact second homes have on housing availability, especially in areas where they contribute to inflated house prices and make it harder for local people to access affordable homes.
At present, there are six properties identified as second homes in Tamworth borough that will be subject to the second home premium starting 1 April 2026.
The council remains committed to ensuring that local residents have access to affordable housing and will continue to explore new ways to address housing needs in the community.
Councillor Craig Adams, Tamworth Borough Council portfolio holder for finance and ICT, said: "Empty homes represent a wasted resource, especially at a time when we are seeing increasing demand for affordable housing. These properties can also lead to a range of issues for neighbouring communities, including property deterioration, disputes, and blight.
"This is one part of a package of measures to see empty homes and occasional homes once again be a home to be lived in, not left empty. Homes that are empty all or part of the year can create problems for neighbours and deny local people the chance of a home. By adopting a consistent approach with other councils in Staffordshire and across the country, we're clear that we want to see these homes back in use."
Tamworth Borough Council remains committed to reviewing empty and second homes and taking the necessary actions to bring them back into use or to apply appropriate premiums. These measures are aimed at improving housing availability, ensuring that homes in the borough are being properly utilised, and making a fair contribution to local resources.
Residents are encouraged to report any concerns regarding empty or second homes in their area, and the council will continue to ensure transparency in how these homes are taxed and managed.
Second and empty homeowners are being contacted with the details for their individual circumstances.
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Notes:
Based on current figures, there are:
- 128 properties have been empty for one year or more
- 22 properties have been empty for five years or more
- 12 properties have been empty for ten years or more