Second home owners in North Yorkshire could become the first in England to face a double council tax bill.
In what already sounds like a pretty groundbreaking move, North Yorkshire County Council is considering the introduction of a 100% council tax premium on second properties in the hugely-popular region, ITV reports.
It comes after local people, especially young families, expressed concerns that they are being priced-out of the housing market.
In a report to the Council's executive, which is set to be discussed at a meeting today (Tuesday 20 September), it was explained that second home ownership within the North Yorkshire area is "significant" and is "recognised to have a negative impact" in terms of the supply of homes available in order to meet local housing need.
The report explained that the proposed new council tax levy would apply to properties that are left empty for more than a year.
It's believed it could generate £14 million in revenue, the report said.
North Yorkshire County Council is considering introducing a 100% council tax premium / Credit: Toa Heftiba (via Unsplash)
The report being discussed in today's meeting follows a recommendation by the Rural Commission last year to place a charge on second homes to finance affordable housing, and comes after people in the North Yorkshire costal tourist town of Whitby voted in favour of new measures to reduce the number of homes being used for holiday accommodation.
It's not the first time double council tax has been proposed in the region though, as a decision about a second homes premium was once postponed after some Council members said it could encourage council tax avoidance.
Others also said the measure would be difficult to implement - but it seems the Council is hoping it'll be better received this time round.
It would become the first county in England to introduce the charge / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
Similar measures introduced in Wales have been cited for reasoning as to how it could work.
"The second homes figures in Wales suggest that, regardless of any avoidance issues that might remain within the system, there should still be sufficient incentive for the council to consider a council tax premium on second homes in order to help address the issues caused by second home ownership within the area," the report reads.
Could it actually become a reality then? And could this be the start of second home council tax premiums in other counties? If approved, the measure would be introduced in North Yorkshire from April 2024.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Emily Sergeant -
20th September 2022 
