This week both Warwick District Council and Stratford District Council approved the introduction of a 100 per cent premium on second homes from April 1, 2027.
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This decision will allow the councils to apply the additional charge on substantially furnished properties that are not used as a main residence, from the start of the next financial year.
The additional premium is permitted following the introduction of new government legislation in 2023, giving local authorities in England powers designed to encourage second homeowners to bring properties back into full-time use.
Warwick District Council previously implemented this measure in 2025 but then had to reverse it and refund the extra council tax it charged for second homes, after legal advice concluded that “the council did not meet all its obligations”.
Both councils held public consultations regarding the premium.
In the Warwick district, the consultation was held between December 2025, and January 2026 and received 502 responses.
The council said 65.5 per cent supported the introduction of the premium.
According Warwick District Council, respondents also “highlighted the positive impact the policy could have on the local housing market and benefits to the community”.
Councillor Jonathan Chilvers, portfolio holder for resources at Warwick District Council, said: “We know how important it is for residents to be able to access affordable homes in the communities where they live and work.
“Introducing a second homes premium is one of the tools available to us to help bring more properties back into full-time use, helping to support local businesses and services.”
In the Stratford district, the consultation was carried out between December 2025 and February 2026
Stratford District Council said there are 859 second homes, representing more than one per cent of the district’s entire housing stock.
The council said the consultation received 611 responses and that all 859 second‑home owners were contacted directly
Councillor Liz Coles, portfolio holder for housing, revenues and customer services at Stratford District Council, said: “Stratford District Council remains committed to improving the availability and affordability of homes for local residents while ensuring that essential services and housing programmes continue to be sustainably funded.”