The Scottish Greens have lodged proposals to help first time home buyers by allowing councils to set whatever higher rate of Council Tax they wish for second and empty homes.
The change, which would build on the success of powers already delivered by the Scottish Greens to double council tax on these dwellings, has been lodged as an amendment to the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill by Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer.
Scottish Government projections have suggested that existing powers to double the tax will raise over £30 million for local services over the next year while freeing up thousands of homes to tackle housing shortages.
The Greens are confident that their amendment will raise more funds for local services and free up more homes for people to live in by encouraging more second and empty home owners to sell.
Mr Greer said: “Since the Scottish Greens gave councils the power to increase Council Tax on second and holiday homes it has raised tens of millions of pounds for local services like schools and social care while helping us to tackle the housing crisis.
“We want councils to build on this success by giving them the option to increase tax on both second and empty homes even further. This would mean that the tiny number of people currently hoarding properties either pay their fair share, or sell to someone who needs a home to live in.
“The money raised will overwhelmingly come from a small number of people already wealthy enough to own multiple properties, something that is completely outwith the reach of most people.Greens bid to help first time buyers by lifting limit on Council Tax for second and empty homes.
“Housing is a human right, and everyone should be able to access good quality and affordable homes. Yet, throughout Scotland homes used as second properties sit empty for most of the year whilst people who grew up in the same community are forced out by high house prices or a lack of available properties.
“Homes are not for hoarding. We can shift the balance away from second home ownership and free up more homes for people and families who really need them.”