This is despite concerns first raised in The Telegraph that the enhanced powers are catching out homeowners never intended as targets for the tax, including home movers and low income households.
Elliot Keck, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said the premium’s “pitiful revenues do not come close to justifying its existence”.
He said: “For too long town halls have focused on fiddling with different ways to dip into the wallets of their residents, rather than focusing on delivering quality services.
“Local authorities should prioritise cutting down on waste and finding efficiencies to ensure they aren’t continuously tapping up taxpayers.”
Gravesham Borough Council raised £43,013 last year from taxing second homeowners, according to government figures. Only 23 properties in the borough are classed as second homes – or 0.05pc of the local housing stock.
Some £55,000 in tax was clawed back from second homeowners in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, where second homes also account for one in 2,000 properties.