Purpose

To consider the feedback from the 12-week
public consultation and the council tax premium rates on second
homes and long-term empty properties and whether the rates should
remain the same or be increased from April 2025.

Content

RESOLVED:

 

(a)        
That Council support an increase to the premium of
long term empty properties with an uplift from 75% to 100% to take
effect from April 2025 giving 6 months’ notice to those
directly impacted;

 

(b)         
To introduce an escalator approach as follows: after
3 years a rise of 150% Council Tax premium; 5 years a 200% rise and
10 years a 300% rise; and the historical data of when a property
becomes empty to be used to determine the level of premium, to take
effect from April 2026 giving 18 months’ notice to those
directly impacted; and

 

(c)         
That a discretionary exemption be created to avoid
the purchase of long term empty properties being disadvantaged
though the Council Tax premium charge.