Fergus Ewing has launched a blistering attack on the SNP after his fellow MSPs voted to temporarily suspend him from the party.
08.09.2023 - 11:39 / dailyrecord.co.uk
The Scottish Government is pushing forward with a clampdown on second homes to help boost housing supply in rural areas.
Local authorities will be able to charge a premium of up to 100 per cent on council tax for second homes under plans to be considered by MSPs.
If passed, the measures could help rural areas where holiday homes have exploded in recent years - often making it difficult for locals to find housing.
The legislation would bring second homes into line with long-term empty homes. Long-term empty homes can already face a 100 per cent premium on the full rate of council tax.
Latest figures show that in September 2022 there were 24,287 second homes in Scotland.
Second and long-term empty homes receive a default 50 per cent discount on council tax. But local authorities can vary council tax charges and the majority already charge second home-owners the full rate of council tax, which is the maximum currently permitted.
The new measures are expected to come into force by April 2024 if the law passes.
Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “We want everyone in Scotland to have an affordable home that meets their needs. While second homes can bring benefits to local economies, we know they can also affect local housing stock, pushing up prices for those looking to buy or rent. That’s why we’re bringing in this legislation encouraging more housing to be used as homes to live in, seeking a fair contribution to local services from everyone.
“Under the Verity House Agreement between the Scottish Government and COSLA, we have committed to give councils greater flexibility to meet local needs. This legislation shows how we are putting this into action, giving councils more powers over how housing is used so they can meet
Fergus Ewing has launched a blistering attack on the SNP after his fellow MSPs voted to temporarily suspend him from the party.
Bob MacIntyre admits he’s like a kid in a sweetie shop with his Ryder Cup jammies.
Now October is just a few days away, there is no time like the present to book a relaxing Scottish staycation.
The leader of the Scottish Lib Dems has said Humza Yousaf will be the last nationalist First Minister north of the border.
An endangered male giraffe 'made himself right at home' at a Scottish safari park after travelling across the sea from Dublin.
Perthshire has two teams into the second round of the Scottish Cup.
they randomly encountered King Charles, who was out for a hike. In video footage that was shot before they ran into the 74-year-old monarch, the cyclists were joking about seeing a “minor royal” after several Land Rovers drove past.“I don’t care for the royals but it would be cool to see Charlie,” one of them remarked. Then, one of them seemed to clue in that it wasn’t a joke, and it really was the King they were spotting.
A Scottish Labour councillor accused of child sex offences in Fife has appeared in court for the first time.
When it comes to booking a relaxing getaway, nothing can beat a seaside cottage in Scotland.
It has been alleged that female comedians within the industry set up a WhatsApp group with warnings about Russell Brand.
Russell Brand rose to fame back in the naughties and was known for living a rock 'n' roll lifestyle.
Humza Yousaf has defended a plan to start negotiations on independence if his party wins the most seats in Scotland at the next general election.
With the weather suddenly turning gloomy and winter not all that far away, we all need a little pick-me-up from time-to-time.
Serial SNP rebel Fergus Ewing has voted against the Scottish Government again as speculation mounts he could soon be suspended by his party.
The number of people registering as homeless in Perth and Kinross has risen, new Scottish Government figures have revealed.
A charity has accused the Scottish Government of deliberately neglecting social housing after the number of local authority new builds completed dropped by 23 per cent in a year.
St Cuthbert Wanderers boss Ian Clark believes his players need to up their fitness levels to compete with sides for a full 90 minutes.
Humza Yousaf has said the number of schools identified with dangerous concrete has risen to forty.
An Annan restaurant has scooped an honour at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.
Discover Kingdom Park Homes, a hidden gem located just a short drive from Manchester.