Share your views on the second homes council tax premium.
On 30 April 2025 North Ayrshire Council announced a review of the island community impact assessment for Cumbrae relating to the 100% council tax premium on second homes.
The review was called for by Cumbrae Community Council on the grounds that:
The policy will disproportionately affect Cumbrae’s small community, where 30% of North Ayrshire’s second homes are located.
The estimated council tax premium on Cumbrae is projected to be £500,589, a staggering proportion of the island's total economic output of just £12.9 million.
The policy will lead to small, difficult to heat flats, being put on the market that are not suited to full-time occupation by working families.
Despite recognising these impacts, North Ayrshire Council failed in their legal obligation to propose any mitigation of, or improvement to, the policy for our island community. Cumbrae Community Council has called for proper mitigation measures that recognise the particular circumstances on the island. At the very least, a detailed study of second homes on Cumbrae should be undertaken to assess their condition and to consider possible ways of altering them to make them suitable for permanent occupation by working families. A programme of works will then be required to upgrade those properties that need it.
The review process includes a short public consultation process. If you would like to make representations to North Ayrshire Council about the review, you can do so by email to legalpostbox@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or by writing to the Head of Democratic Services, North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Friarscroft, Irvine, KA12 8EE.
Representations must be made no later than by 23.59 on Tuesday 20 May 2025 and must include the name and contact details of the person making the written representations. Include reference to the Island Communities Impact Assessment Review for Cumbrae in the heading or subject line of your representation.
