Issue - meetings

That the current rate of premium of 50% on second homes and long-term empty properties remain the same.

Councillor Mullin introduced the report and explained that local authorities in Wales had had discretionary powers since 2017 to charge a Council Tax premium of up to 100% above the standard rate of Council Tax on certain classes of second homes and long term empty properties.

From April 2023, local authorities in Wales would have the autonomy to charge, or vary, a Council Tax premium rate of up to 300% above the standard charge which could result in individuals paying an overall charge of 400%.

The Council introduced a premium scheme in 2017 and established a premium rate of 50% on both second homes and long-term empty properties and that rate had applied each year since 2017.

The Revenues and Procurement Manager explained that, following a public consultation that was undertaken in November 2021, the report set out the key considerations and options for Cabinet to consider retaining or varying the premium rates from 2023/24, and for those recommendations to be approved at a future meeting of County Council.  In response to a question, he said that most neighbouring authorities charged a levy of 50%.

RESOLVED:

That the current rate of premium of 50% on second homes and long-term empty properties remain the same.