Agenda item

That Committee notes the setting of the annual Tax Base of 63,543 band D equivalent properties (as shown in Appendix 1 to the report) for the financial year 2017-18.

The Revenues Manager presented a report on the setting of the Council Tax Base of 63,543 band D equivalent properties for the financial year 2017-18, as approved by Cabinet.  This was based on all properties subject to Council Tax as at 31 October, taking into account new build developments such as that at Custom House Lane which Members were due to visit.

Following a steady growth in the county’s Tax Base over the past ten years, there had been a significant increase from 2016-17 of almost 1.3% which reflected the strong economy and range of new build schemes across the county.  The Council’s decision to introduce the Council Tax premium scheme from April 2017 would have a further positive effect on the future Council Tax Base and would provide an incentive for property owners to bring some of the long-term empty properties back into use.

Councillor Peter Curtis raised concerns about long-term empty shops with accommodation, particularly those where grant funding had been received to return them to use.  Officers explained that empty commercial premises were excluded from the Council Tax Base as they were subject to property rates, and that the vast majority of properties utilising external grant funding had been re-let following refurbishment.

Councillor David Cox asked whether it was the case that the Council was not able to intervene on long-term empty homes unless they were deemed unsafe.  The Regeneration Manager explained that legislation allowed for enforcement action to be taken in response to statutory Housing Act issues or that forced sale of the property could be progressed subject to the policy previously scrutinised by the Committee and approved at Cabinet.  Another option available was to pursue an Empty Dwelling Management Order for properties vacant over two years and causing neighbourhood issues.  A dedicated officer, Stephen Roberts, was the point of contact for dealing with long-term empty homes defined as being empty over six months.

In response to comments from Councillor Paul Cunningham concerning a property in his ward, the Regeneration Manager spoke about the potential to explore Planning conditions or to utilise home improvement loans.  The current number of empty homes in the county was 796, having reduced by 10% over the past 12 months following work by officers to raise awareness of the Council Tax premium liability from April 2017.  A further reduction was expected after the implementation of this scheme.

Councillor Ian Dunbar raised similar ongoing concerns about properties in his ward and was asked to discuss these with the Regeneration Manager following the meeting.  It was explained that whilst the Council had no jurisdiction on the advertisement of long-term empty properties for sale above market value, a condition within the exemptions to the Council Tax premium imposed a time limited exemption of one year on long-term empty properties being marketed for sale.  The Regeneration Manager added that there was provision in the legislation for enforcement to be taken where physical damage or harm to neighbours’ property could be demonstrated.  Enforcement action could also be taken where there was proven detriment to the amenity of a neighbourhood, although this was subject to relatively high thresholds.

Following remarks by Councillor Ray Hughes on the challenges in letting flats above empty shops, the Regeneration Manager acknowledged the demand for one-bedroom accommodation.  The availability of ‘Living Over the Shops’ grant funding from Welsh Government was being used to bring some of those properties back into use, however a significant cost element was needed to meet access and safety requirements.

In response to comments on improving conditions for tenants in private lettings, Councillor Helen Brown spoke about the imminent introduction of regulations through the Rent Smart Wales initiative which offered protection to tenants.  Officers also explained that current legislation enabled enforcement against private landlords where living conditions were inadequate and that an increase in the number of enforcement officers within the Council would help to tackle issues.

The Regeneration Manager agreed to speak separately with Councillor Andy Dunbbobin about an issue on a private garage site.

Councillor Rosetta Dolphin referred to the level of resources within the Enforcement team and asked how many empty properties had been brought back into use through enforcement action.  The Chief Officer (Community & Enterprise) explained that this information was included in the next report.  Councillor Dolphin commented that enforcement spanned the remit of this Committee and that of the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Gareth Roberts asked how many private landlords in Flintshire had so far registered for the Rent Smart Wales scheme.  The Regeneration Manager would pursue a response from Environmental Health colleagues and respond separately, however it was likely that an increase in registrations would be seen over the coming weeks as the deadline approached.

RESOLVED:

That Committee notes the setting of the annual Tax Base of 63,543 band D equivalent properties (as shown in Appendix 1 to the report) for the financial year 2017-18.