‘Bin tax’: myths busted
Owners of second homes rented out for less than 140 days per year pay council tax and will continue to receive a normal waste collection.
The myth - The Telegraph suggests the Government plans to introduce a ‘stealth bin tax’ for second home owners.
The truth - No such plans exist and our proposals will bring no changes to ordinary households. Councils can already charge for the removal of large items or garden waste. Owners of second homes which are rented out for less than 140 days per year pay council tax and will continue to receive a normal waste collection. Owners of second homes rented out for more than 140 days a year pay business rates and should have their waste treated like any other business. Tax payers should not pay for a business’ waste collection. Many non-domestic premises, such as caravan parks, hospitals and schools, already pay for waste contracts with private companies.
We are reviewing these waste regulations to bring clarity to an outdated system where local authorities may charge for collection of rubbish from certain non-domestic premises, but not charge for its disposal. Our proposals will enable local authorities to cover the increased costs they face for waste disposal now that the age of dumping rubbish in landfills for free is rightly at an end.