Agenda item

(a)       That the 2024/25 Council Tax be set based on a 9.0% uplift in the County Council charges, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report;

(b)       That the continuation of the policy of not providing a discount in the level of 2024/25 Council Tax charges for second homes and long-term empty homes be endorsed.  Also, where exceptions do not apply, to charge the Council Tax Premium rate of 75% above the standard rate of Council Tax for designated long-term empty dwellings and 100% for second homes from 1^st April 2024;

(c)       That approval be given for designated officers to issue legal proceedings and appear on behalf of the Council in the Magistrates’ Court for unpaid taxes; and

(d)       That Cabinet reviews the Council Tax premium scheme for long-term empty properties and second homes over the next 12 months.

A report was received to formally set the Council Tax charges and associated statutory resolutions for 2024/25 as part of the wider budget strategy on the basis of the decision taken on the previous item.  The overall level of Council Tax comprised three separate precepts set by (i) the County Council, (ii) the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales and (iii) all Town/Community Councils, which made up the total sum charged against each property.  The report indicated the precepts to be raised by the Council based on an increase of either 9.0% or 9.1% as detailed in the previous report.

The recommendations, based on the option for a 9.0% uplift, were moved and seconded by Councillors Richard Jones and Helen Brown.

The Chief Officer (Governance) advised that an amendment subsequently moved by Councillor David Coggins Cogan on changing the premium for long-term empty homes was invalid due to the decision reached on the previous agenda item.  It was further advised by the Revenues and Procurement Manager that such a decision at this stage would raise a number of significant risks for the Council and that an alternative premium scheme would need to be introduced from April 2025 to allow for the necessary consultation, should Members wish to progress.

Councillor Helen Brown spoke in support of the request which would bring long-term empty properties back into use.

The Chief Officer (Governance) advised that the amendment should have been moved as part of Council Tax considerations within the Budget 2024/25 and that Members may wish to consider the suggestion made by the Revenues and Procurement Manager to follow the legal process as a way forward.

In response to further comments, the Corporate Finance Manager endorsed the advice given by officers and explained the implications of changing the Council Tax base at this stage, having already approved the budget.

Councillor Coggins Cogan subsequently withdrew his amendment.

Following Councillors Jones and Brown withdrawing their motion, Councillor Johnson moved the recommendations in the report based on an overall annual increase of 9.0% with an addition that Cabinet instigate a review of the Council Tax premium scheme for long-term empty properties and second homes over the next 12 months.  He was seconded by Councillor Chris Bithell.

Having been moved and seconded, this was put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the 2024/25 Council Tax be set based on a 9.0% uplift in the County Council charges, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report;

(b)       That the continuation of the policy of not providing a discount in the level of 2024/25 Council Tax charges for second homes and long-term empty homes be endorsed.  Also, where exceptions do not apply, to charge the Council Tax Premium rate of 75% above the standard rate of Council Tax for designated long-term empty dwellings and 100% for second homes from 1^st April 2024;

(c)       That approval be given for designated officers to issue legal proceedings and appear on behalf of the Council in the Magistrates’ Court for unpaid taxes; and

(d)       That Cabinet reviews the Council Tax premium scheme for long-term empty properties and second homes over the next 12 months.