Purpose

Billing Authorities intending to adopt any
changes arising from the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill are
required to declare their intentions at least 12 months prior to
the financial year in which the changes come into effect.Approval,
in principle, was obtained by P & R committee and full council
in February 2023 to consideration of introducing a 100%
discretionary premium on second homes, subject to the
recommendations of an officer report to Policy & Resources
committee (now SFCR committee) as soon as practical following Royal
Ascent of the relevant legislation. Royal ascent was obtained 26th
October 2023. Approval must be obtained by committee and full
council by 31 March 2024 to come into effect 01 April
2025

Content

92.1    The report was
introduced by the Chief Financial Officer, who gave the comparison
on council tax on long term empty homes and 2nd homes.
 
92.2    The Committee were
asked to note the urgency of the report and agree pool space and
get planning consent.
.
92.3
   The Committee were asked to note
the following:
·                    
The independent inquiry
·                    
Formal Apology
·                    
Approve the recommendations in the report
·                    
Give delegated power to HR and OD Director to
terminate the current procedures.
 
92.4    Councillor Sankey
spoke on the matter.
 
           
Resolved

 
2.1        
That the Strategy, Finance & City Regeneration
Committee approves the proposal to apply the current 100% premium
applicable to long-term empty and unfurnished properties after one
year instead of two years from 1 April 2024 as permitted by the
Levelling Up & Regeneration Act 2023.

 
2.2        
That the Strategy, Finance & City Regeneration
Committee recommends to full Council that it formally approves the
recommendation that a new 100% Council Tax premium be applied to
empty furnished properties (second homes) from 1 April
2025.

 
Full
Council:
 
2.3        
That full Council adopts the recommendation of
Strategy, Finance & City Regeneration Committee at para 2.2
above and formally approves the recommendation that a new 100%
Council Tax premium be applied to empty furnished properties
(second homes) from 1 April 2025.