COMHAIRLE WELCOMES COUNCIL TAX MOVE

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the announcement by Finance Minister Andy Kerr that local authorities will have the discretion to reduce the current 50% discount on council tax on second homes and use the money for new build social housing.

Vice-Chairman of Policy and Resources Norman A Macdonald said: “This enables local authorities to generate additional revenue and it is fair that those who have genuine second homes should pay towards the services of that area. The Scottish Executive has listened to the case made by local authorities including the Comhairle and I particularly welcome the fact that additional revenues generated through a reduction in the 50% discount will be retained locally”.

The Western Isles has in the region of 1300 second homes. A 10% discount on second homes would produce approximately £400k of additional revenue.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk