Council tax paid by owners of second homes will be increased and brings the area into line with most of Scotland.

The move, which was agreed by the council’s Executive Committee today, follows a change in national legislation. 

Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “Holiday homes aren’t as prevalent in our areas as they are in other parts of the country, with only 174 properties identified as second homes.

“But recent committee reports have identified significant pressure on housing, with an increase in the number of people applying for assistance due to homelessness and a backlog of homeless households awaiting permanent offers of housing.

“We need to take every opportunity we can to address these pressures, and the £126,000 it is estimated will be raised by the increase in council tax on second homes will go to the council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme to support acquisitions and new affordable housing.”

Previously people who owned a second home in South Lanarkshire received a 10% discount on standard council tax rates.

However, last year’s Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations gave councils discretionary powers to change this, with increases limited to a 100% surcharge on top of standard rates.

The change in South Lanarkshire comes into effect on 1 April 2024.