The owners of hundreds of second homes in South Ayrshire could see their council tax bill doubled from April.

South Ayrshire Council’s cabinet will consider plans by the Scottish Government to give local authorities the power to increase the tax on second homes by 100 per cent.

There are 491 second homes,  defined as properties which are not a sole or main residence but are occupied for at least 25 days of the year, in South Ayrshire.

The council says that if 75 per cent of these remain second homes, the increase would bring in around £417,000, working out at just over £1,300 per property.

It would also give council the option not to increase the charge if certain criteria are met.

These criteria are:

* Properties that are actively being marketed for sale or rent or undergoing repairs/ renovations to allow them to be marketed for sale or rent
* Properties where owners are working with the council to bring a property back into use as a main place of residence
* Exceptional circumstances exist that are out with the control of the customer and prevent the property from being sold or rented.

Councillors will also be asked to approve a measure that would see half of the additional income allocated for social housing or other ‘incentives’ to address the problem of empty housing.

The report to cabinet states: ” Over the past decade the growth of online platforms has fuelled the trend for residential homes, particularly in tourist hotspots, to be changed from primary homes to be used for short-term lets or second homes.

“This can cause problems for neighbours and make it harder for local people, particularly young people or those with fewer resources, to find homes to live in.”

A total of 55 per cent of the individual respondents to the consultation agreed with the increase, while 89  per cent of organisations agreed.

Cabinet will be asked to approve recommendations that the increases come into effect from April 1, subject to Scottish Parliament approval.

The report concludes: “The introduction of a ‘levy’ for second homes would generate additional income for the council, whilst potentially encouraging people to reconsider their ownership of a second home.”

Officers acknowledge that the impact of the levy could be different in particular parts of the authority as the demand for housing is lower in the wards with the highest numbers of second homes.

Of the 491 second homes, more than half are in just two wards - 159 in Girvan and South Carrick and 118 in Troon.

Ayr East has 11, Ayr North 24 and Ayr West 69.

The Maybole, North Carrick and Coylton ward has 47, while Prestwick has 42 and Kyle has 18.

However, officers say that the aim to ‘encourage’ owners to make better use of their homes may not have a direct benefit.

If approved, a letter will be issued to second home owners advising them of the increased charges.

Members of the cabinet will consider the report on Wednesday.