Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report and explained that Welsh Government (WG) was consulting on potential changes to the local tax system, with the aim of supporting local authorties to manage the impact of second homes and self-catering accommodation on the communities in which they were located. 

            The Revenues and Procurement Manager added that WG were also seeking views on:

·         How effective had the use of the premium scheme been in addressing housing issues

·         How could local authorities best use the premium to help bring empty or underused properties back into use

·         How funds raised from the premium should be used and whether local authorities should be more transparent about how funds raised from the premium had been spent

·         Was the current maximum premium of 100% appropriate?  If not, what would be considered to be appropriate and fair

·         What were the positive and negative impacts on self-catering accommodation

·         The current criteria and thresholds for defining property as self-catering accommodation and liable for Business Rates instead of Council Tax

·         The eligibility of self-catering accommodation for 100% Small Business Rates Relief once owners were subject to Business Rates.

In response to the consultation, officers had reviewed the consultation paper and the responses to each of the above were detailed in the report for Cabinet approval.

RESOLVED:

That the responses to the consultation be supported.