A COUNCIL is taking action against people who evade council tax by living in holiday caravans.

Harrogate Borough Council says occupants of static holiday caravans being used as a permanent residence are in breach of site licence conditions.

A report to the borough council meeting on Wednesday says people breaching the rule could face severe difficulty in getting a replacement home.

Action was taken after councillors Bill Hoult and Philip Broadbank called for an investigation into the situaton. A letter has already been sent to holders of site licences throughout the Harrogate district, explaining the rules on council tax.

Licensees have been given six months to address any problems or action will be taken.

Meanwhile, the National Caravan Council and the British Holiday and Home Parks Association have published guidance on misuse of holiday homes.

The report to council says the borough council has a duty to refer cases to the valuation officer for assessment of council tax where "there is clear evidence of occupation as a sole or main residence".

Already, says the report, firm evidence has been received in six cases which have been referred to the valuation officer for assessment. In a further nine cases, information has been followed up by letters to site owners seeking more information.

Legislation says occupiers of non-residential caravans are not normally liable for councl tax, but they pay a contribution towards non-domestic rates, significantly lower than a Band A council tax.

The council report says action will be taken to issue demands to people occupying non-residential caravans as their main residence.