Stratford-on-Avon District Council has approved the introduction of council tax premiums for second homes across the District from 1 April 2027.

This follows national changes enabling councils in England to apply an additional charge of up to 100% on second homes, defined as properties that are substantially furnished but not used as anyone's sole or main residence.

Stratford-on-Avon District has over 850 second homes, representing more than 1% of the District's entire housing stock. Raising the cost of owning a second home is intended to encourage some properties back into the housing market.

Increasing the supply of homes for local residents remains a priority within the Council Plan, which commits to delivering "affordable, well built and maintained homes" and making decisions in the broader public interest.

A formal consultation on the proposed premium was carried out between 15 December 2025 and 2 February 2026.

• 589 online responses were received
• 8 paper questionnaires were submitted
• 14 additional responses were received via letter or email
• All 859 second-home owners were contacted directly
• The consultation was shared widely through local press, social media, the Citizens' Panel, parish and town councils, and the residents' email newsletter

The consultation report is available for the public to view.

Cllr Liz Coles, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Revenues and Customer Services, said: "Stratford-on-Avon 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."

All second-home owners affected by the change will receive written notification before 31 March 2026. Across the summer, the District Council will also be holding some advice clinics for residents who want to understand in more detail what this means for them and if any exceptions apply to them.

The 100% premium will then be implemented from 1 April 2027, in line with statutory requirements to provide one year's notice before changes take effect.